Kirkland & Ellis partner Patrick King has jumped to Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan in Houston.

King, who was one of the first litigators at Kirkland's 5-year-old Houston office, focuses on business disputes, class actions, mass tort and product liability. His practice includes representing plaintiffs and defendants in high stakes disputes across the country.

“It's always great to welcome another talented partner to our firm,” Quinn Emanuel managing partner John Quinn said in a statement. “We are pleased to welcome King and look forward to using his institutional knowledge in our Houston office and beyond.”

King said that Quinn Emanuel's reputation as a global litigation-only firm made the move an opportunity that he, as a litigator, “couldn't pass up.” The Houston office is looking to grow, he said, and he wants to be part of that.

“So I think, first and foremost, I want to help the great team here in building their success in Houston,” King said.

At Kirkland, King served as counsel for Dow Chemical, Johnson & Johnson and ConocoPhillips and focused his practice in the chemical and energy sector. He also maintained an active pro bono practice, serving as a member of the firm's Pro Bono Management Committee.

He joined Kirkland as an associate in 2007 based out of Washington, D.C., and made partner in 2013 before moving to Houston.

Asked about King's departure, a spokesperson from Kirkland said, “We enjoyed working with Pat and we wish him well in his new position.”