Paul W. Sweeney
Partner – K&L Gates

Description of field of expertise

Paul Sweeney is a partner in the commercial litigation group of K&L Gates, where he focuses his practice on handling complex business disputes, both individual and class action lawsuits, involving unfair business practices, false advertising, consumer fraud, trade regulation, privacy violations, civil rights, and violations of various federal and state statutes and regulations. He has also handles employment lawsuits and arbitrations involving claims of discrimination, wage-hour violations, wrongful termination, and theft of trade secrets. His litigation matters have included numerous jury and bench trials, and he has served as a temporary prosecutor in the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, Criminal Branch.  He represents clients primarily in the manufacturing, retailing, technology, financial services, food and beverage, medical device, and entertainment industries.

What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?

Be prepared and knowledgeable. Ensure that the work you perform is consistently excellent. You need to listen to your clients’ needs and become a trusted advisor to them. Become active in local and national professional and public service organizations. Know the capabilities of other practice groups in your firm in order to be able to also offer their services.

Final thoughts…

Invest in yourself — don’t expect to be compensated for every step you need to take to position yourself to succeed in your career. Be bold and take risks. Always do the right thing, ethically.