Meet our Corporate Members: Nick Nichola, K&L Gates

‘K&L Gates is a global law firm with 48 offices across five continents. We have built a workplace that is intrinsically diverse in experience, perspective and ideas. As a leading commercial law firm, we strive to not only be diligent and meticulous, but to also provide our clients with multi-dimensional solutions and tackle complex commercial problems with innovation and creativity. 

‘Throughout our long association with State Library Victoria, we have hosted various client functions and networking events at the Library, such as our Women in Business events in the Isabella Fraser Room. Our firm has been one of the earliest adopters of market leading initiatives in support of diversity and inclusion, and working women with families. One which makes me proudest was the early launch of an enhanced parental leave policy, which offers not only extended leave duration, but also extends itself to supporting parents going through fertility treatment, the explicit incorporation of flexibility around how leave is taken and the continuation of superannuation payments during unpaid leave. 

‘Our most recent end of year function (December 2022) was held in the Cowen Gallery. It was well attended by most of our Melbourne staff who were treated to pre-dinner canapés and drinks in the magnificent La Trobe Reading Room before dinner and a night's entertainment in the surrounds of the gallery. 

‘As a self-confessed ancient history aficionado, Rome is my favourite city in the world, and I have fond memories of spending hours in the La Trobe Reading Room during my youth, devouring pages and pages of stories from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. 

‘As a longstanding supporter of the arts, K&L Gates shares the Library's values in promoting the sharing of ideas, knowledge and literature. The legal profession is often seen as a combination of both science and art, which we feel the Library also represents. Our firm’s core values remain in serving the best interests of our clients and giving back to the community, of which the Library remains the cornerstone in Victoria. 

‘Being a Corporate Member allows us to support and engage with the Library. The Library regularly hosts interesting and informative lunches, dinners and events. We offer our staff the opportunity to attend these excellent events which many do throughout the year.’