Dr Lokan and Mr Watts will join the global firm partnership from 1 March 2017.

Nick Nichola, Australia managing partner for K&L Gates, has welcomed the “fresh blood”, and describes both lawyers as having a deep understanding of the value of client service.

“Matthew and Nigel are exemplary legal professionals who acutely understand the issues facing clients in their respective industries and understand that delivering unsurpassed client service is absolutely critical in the current market,” Mr Nichola said.

“They represent the sort of emerging talent that, as managing partner, you are proud to welcome into the partnership,” he said.

Mr Watts is an expert in the structuring and establishment of retail and institutional funds. According to a firm statement, he also has experience on Australian financial services licensing regulation matters and registered scheme compliance, the promotion and distribution of listed and unlisted investment funds, and products and investment management counterparty arrangements.

Dr Lokan joined the firm in 2013. He has a technical background in chemistry and is a patent attorney in Australia and New Zealand. The new partner’s main focus has been building the chemical and biotechnology patent practice at K&L gates.

K&L Gates coincided its announcement of the two new partners with a round of senior Australian promotions. Six special counsel and 18 senior associates will also take on new roles at K&L Gates next month.

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L-R: Dr Nigel Lokan and Matthew Watts