During this unprecedented time, Technology Association of Oregon will be featuring the benefits and value that TAO member companies can provide to our greater community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Managing Partner of the K&L Gates Portland office, Shiau Yen Chin-Dennis, offers the firm’s COVID-19 resource center and daily digest to TAO members.
TAO Member Company: K&L Gates
Give us a short intro to your business:
K&L Gates is a fully integrated global law firm with nearly 2,000 lawyers in 44 offices located across five continents, with practices ranging from corporate, commercial transactions, intellectual property, and litigation, to public policy, restructuring, and employment. We are trusted advisors to Oregon businesses on numerous issues, including COVID-19 and the Cares Act.
What resources can your business offer the community during the COVID pandemic?:
Our firm has developed an extensive collection of COVID-related informational alerts, podcasts, webinars, and other materials, and we are disseminating them through our own COVID-19 resource center. Our lawyers are closely monitoring and sharing the legal implications the pandemic has on businesses locally, nationally and internationally, in every industry and region of the world.
What is the best way for the community to get in touch?:
TAO members can subscribe to our free, daily COVID-19 digest. For specific questions or assistance, please contact me via phone (503-226-5765) or email.
What’s your favorite way to pass the time during self-quarantine?:
Beyond working and leading the Portland office team, I have rediscovered the joy of cooking Asian (Chinese and Malaysian) dishes. Some of our team members are using this time to bake, do crafts, or work on learning a new language— but we’re also watching TV. Tiger King is currently popular amongst our lawyers and staff.
What’s one thing that helps you stay positive or gives you hope during difficult times?:
Our American values and spirit give me hope. Multiple people at K&L Gates have loved ones working on the frontlines in healthcare, including both of my siblings, who are doctors in Houston. Our firm recently donated 100,000 masks to hospitals, including masks to my sister and her hospital, as she was reusing hers for 3 days straight while intubating COVID-19 patients. I admire, respect, and am grateful for our healthcare professionals and other essential workers.
As an Asian immigrant and a lawyer, the increase in racism is heartbreaking as many Asian healthcare providers, including my siblings, are risking their lives to save American lives. I am worried about my elderly parents, who are the caregivers for my niece. My parents can’t help but risk being exposed to the virus.
