Pair spearheads transformation at K&L Gates law firm
International law firm K&L Gates announced on Wednesday the promotion of Stacy Ackermann and Rick Giovannelli to senior leadership roles, effective July 1, 2025.
Stacy Ackermann, who has been with the firm since 2012, will take over as Global Managing Partner. Currently leading the firm's global finance practice in New York, Ackermann advises lenders and stakeholders on a variety of financial transactions. She will replace Jim Segerdahl, who will continue to work as a practicing partner within the firm.
In her new role, Ackermann expressed her commitment to strengthening K&L Gates' position in the market, developing talent, and creating new opportunities for the firm's global team and clients. She will take the reins from Segerdahl on July 1.
Rick Giovannelli, who has been with K&L Gates since 1996, has been appointed Co-Chair of the Management Committee, effective immediately. He is currently heading the firm’s global corporate practice from the Charlotte office, focusing on mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and financing transactions. Michael Caccese, the current Chair, will step down after nine years in the role in mid-2026, at which point Giovannelli will assume full chairmanship.
Giovannelli highlighted the firm's client-centric approach and culture of collegiality and opportunity, expressing enthusiasm for collaborating with Ackermann and Caccese to advance K&L Gates in an era of accelerated global change.
Both Ackermann and Giovannelli have built impressive careers at K&L Gates, having served on the firm's Management Committee for years. Their combined expertise and leadership are expected to drive the firm's continued success in the global legal market.
Stacy Ackermann's new role as Global Managing Partner and her expertise in finance will undoubtedly contribute to the financial successes of K&L Gates. In his new position as Co-Chair of the Management Committee, Rick Giovannelli's focus on business areas like mergers and acquisitions and financing transactions will bolster the firm's growth in the business sector.
