Reed Smith Adds Four Partners from K&L Gates

The new hires will bolster the firm's litigation and employment practices in Boston and New Jersey.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:43pm

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Reed Smith announced the addition of four partners from K&L Gates - Jennifer Nagle, Robert Sparkes, Kathleen Parker, and Loly Tor. Nagle, Sparkes, and Parker joined the firm's Boston office, while Tor joined the New Jersey office. The new hires will strengthen Reed Smith's capabilities in consumer class actions, commercial litigation, and employment law.

Why it matters

The lateral hires demonstrate Reed Smith's strategic focus on expanding its litigation and employment law practices in key markets like Boston and New Jersey. The additions of these experienced partners from a rival firm signal Reed Smith's intent to bolster its bench strength and client service offerings in high-demand practice areas.

The details

Jennifer Nagle brings nearly 20 years of experience leading nationwide consumer class action portfolios for major retailers and financial institutions. Robert Sparkes is a commercial litigator focused on defending class actions, representing retailers, financial institutions, and other businesses nationwide. Kathleen Parker advises companies on a wide range of employment matters, including regulatory compliance and investigations. Loly Tor focuses on class action and commercial disputes.

  • Reed Smith announced the new hires on April 8, 2026.

The players

Jennifer Nagle

A partner at Reed Smith with nearly 20 years of experience leading nationwide consumer class action portfolios for major retailers and financial institutions.

Robert Sparkes

A commercial litigator at Reed Smith focused on defending class actions, representing retailers, financial institutions, and other businesses nationwide.

Kathleen Parker

A partner at Reed Smith who advises companies on a wide range of employment matters, including regulatory compliance and investigations.

Loly Tor

A partner at Reed Smith who focuses on class action and commercial disputes.

Reed Smith

An international law firm that has added the four partners from K&L Gates to bolster its litigation and employment practices in Boston and New Jersey.

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What they’re saying

“We are thrilled to welcome these exceptional lawyers to our team. Their deep experience and proven track record will be invaluable as we continue to grow our capabilities in key practice areas and strategic markets.”

— Alex Dimitrief, Global Managing Partner, Reed Smith

The takeaway

The lateral hires of these four partners from K&L Gates demonstrate Reed Smith's commitment to strengthening its litigation and employment law practices in important regional markets. The new additions bring a wealth of experience and will help the firm better serve its clients in high-demand areas like consumer class actions, commercial disputes, and employment compliance.