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K&L Gates adds IP partner from Corrs
Global law firm K&L Gates has bolstered its intellectual property practice by appointing a new partner in its Melbourne office, who joins from Corrs Chambers Westgarth.
Grace Robbie
Rachelle Downie (pictured) joins K&L Gates as a partner within the firm’s intellectual property team in Melbourne, having come across from Corrs Chambers Westgarth, where she served as special counsel for over two years.
Her appointment represents the 10th new partner to join the firm in Australia since the beginning of 2024.
The global law firm highlighted Downie’s extensive experience in advocating for clients across various sectors, including healthcare, life sciences, technology, mining, automotive, fast-moving consumer goods, and fashion.
However, with a solid scientific background, including a pharmacy degree and experience as a pharmacist, Downie possesses specialised expertise that allows her to effectively navigate the intersection of science, technology, and law. This expertise includes advising pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients regarding patent enforcement and defence strategies.
Beyond her litigation practice, K&L Gates revealed that Downie offers strategic counsel to clients involved in emerging technologies and renewable energy, assisting them with pre-litigation strategies and conducting freedom-to-operate analyses.
Jason Opperman, K&L Gates’ regional managing partner for Australia, expressed that Downie’s appointment “marks an editing milestone for our expanding IP practice”, given her extensive expertise and knowledge in this field.
“Rachelle’s strong technical capabilities and extensive experience across diverse industries, along with a committed client-first approach, will significantly strengthen our ability to deliver innovative, strategic IP solutions that benefit both our local and global clients,” Opperman said.
Jonathan Feder, the global law firm’s intellectual property practice area leader, shared his enthusiasm towards Downie’s addition to the team, noting that her expertise will effectively complete the IP services provided to their clients.
“Rachelle’s unique experience in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors, coupled with her strategic acumen, will be invaluable to our team and clients and greatly complement our local and global intellectual property offering to clients. We are delighted to welcome her to the Australian team,” Feder said.
This news follows the firm’s addition of a real estate partner from HWL Ebsworth in late August, three lateral partners in July, a corporate partner from JWS in April, a team of four, including two partners, from Holding Redlich in the same month, and a partner from NRF in January and a partner from McInnes Wilson in the same month.
