Palo Alto, CA—29 April – LAWFUEL – The Law News Network – Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Nicholson Graham (K&LNG) is pleased to announce the May 2, 2005 opening of its newest office in Palo Alto, California. With existing offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco, K&LNG’s Palo Alto office strengthens the firm’s presence in California and increases the firm’s total number of offices to twelve.
Also new to the firm are Jon Michaelson and Linda L. Usoz, both of whom will be resident in K&LNG’s Palo Alto office. Michaelson joins K&LNG as a partner in the intellectual property group. Usoz joins the firm as of counsel in the labor and employment group. Both come to K&LNG from Coudert Brothers LLP.
Michaelson’s practice focuses on patent, copyright and trademark infringement claims, as well as employment law transactions and litigation. Michaelson has particular experience in disputes involving semiconductor design and manufacturing, electronic components, business application and entertainment software. His clients include numerous companies based in Silicon Valley, as well as foreign concerns with operations in the region.
Usoz represents employers in employment litigation before state and federal courts and administrative agencies, including matters relating to discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, privacy, wage and hour, trade secrets, and preservation of intellectual property. Usoz also counsels and advises employers on all aspects of personnel administration, including conducting workplace investigations, and is a frequent speaker and trainer for employers and employer organizations.
Deborah Bailey-Wells, K&LNG’s Administrative Partner of the firm’s Palo Alto and San Francisco offices, commented: “Opening this office demonstrates K&LNG’s commitment to our clients with interests in Silicon Valley and throughout California. That Jon and Linda have joined us also shows that K&LNG continues to attract exceptional lawyers. I am thrilled that Jon and Linda will be spearheading our efforts in Silicon Valley and together we look forward to growing our newest office and expanding K&LNG’s presence in California.”
Michaelson added: “Joining K&LNG in Palo Alto is a marvelous opportunity. In my opinion, no other law firm symbolizes growth and responsiveness to client needs like K&LNG, and no geographic location better symbolizes innovation and enterprise like Silicon Valley. I am thrilled to be part of this dynamic and progressive firm and look forward to leveraging the firm’s international resources to continue to grow our IP and technology practice areas.”
Peter J. Kalis, the firm’s chair and managing partner said: “Silicon Valley is the home of many of America’s leading business enterprises as well as the professionals who serve them. We are delighted that Jon Michaelson and Linda Usoz—two distinguished Silicon Valley practitioners—have agreed to anchor our new Palo Alto office. Jon and Linda exemplify the firm’s robust attitude toward client service. Our clients can expect in Palo Alto the same dedication to excellence in the practice of law as they have experienced elsewhere within our firm.”
