Jump to other pages in the Faculty & Staff section
Kirkpatrick & Gates Preson, Gates Ellis LLP
925 Fourth Avenue, Suite 2900
Seattle, WA 98104-1158
Phone: (206) 370-6642
E-mail: Suzanne.thomas@KLgates.com
B.A., University of Washington, 1984; J.D., University of Michigan, 1987.
Suzanne J. Thomas, a partner in, and Co-Practice Group Chair of K&L Gates’ international Labor and Employment practice, concentrates in sophisticated employment law issues. Ms. Thomas has substantial experience in complex commercial litigation, including intellectual property issues, and represents National, International, Northwest, and non-profit employers on a wide range of issues. A substantial part of her practice relates to employment issues in mergers and acquisitions, and trade secrets and unfair competition. Ms. Thomas also represents executives regarding contract matters. Suzanne has experience counseling clients in complex disputes relating to contracts, securities, patents and other intellectual property, wireless industry, restrictive covenants, stock options, and partnerships and corporate ownership. Ms. Thomas is a frequent lecturer on employment and ethics issues. Suzanne is regularly featured as a speaker at annual WSBA Employment Seminars, often speaking on ethical issues. She is listed in the “Best Lawyers in America,” and was identified as a Best Lawyer in the June 2006 and 2007 Seattle Metropolitan magazine. Suzanne has been named a “Super Lawyer” since 2000 and was a 1999 “Rising Star” by Washington Law and Politics. Ms. Thomas, a Leadership Tomorrow Graduate, is a Past President of the Washington Women Lawyers State Bar Association, past Trustee of the King County Bar Association Labor and Employment Section and Past Chair of, and present General Counsel to, the Alki Foundation (the political arm of the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce). Ms. Thomas serves as a Trustee for the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce Board of Trustees and the King County Bar Foundation. She is an Adjunct Professor at Seattle University Law School, teaching employment courses. Ms. Thomas provides advice to other lawyers regarding the Rules of Professional Conduct and serves as a mediator for employment related matters.