KANSAS CITY, Mo. (September 9, 2025, 2025) — Lathrop GPM is pleased to announce that David J. Kim has joined the firm as a partner in its nationally recognized Business Transactions Practice Group, based in the Kansas City office. Kim brings more than two decades of experience advising clients on mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, venture capital and private equity transactions.

Kim’s arrival marks a significant step in the continued growth of Lathrop GPM’s business transactions team. His addition is part of Lathrop GPM’s strategic growth in its Business Transactions Practice, which also recently welcomed Laurie Huotari as a partner in Minneapolis. Together, these hires deepen the firm’s bench strength across key markets and enhance its ability to serve clients nationwide in complex transactional matters. Kim’s deep ties to the Kansas City business community and national reputation for advising emerging companies and venture capital investors will further strengthen the firm’s capabilities in the region and beyond.

“David’s entrepreneurial background and sophisticated transactional experience make him an exceptional resource for our clients,” said Mark Williamson, Partner and leader of the firm’s Business Transactions Practice Group. “His addition enhances our ability to serve clients in Kansas City and across the country, particularly in the areas of M&A, corporate finance, venture capital and emerging technologies. We are thrilled to welcome him to the team.”

Kim joins Lathrop GPM from Stinson LLP, where he co-chaired the Venture Capital and Emerging Companies practice group. He regularly represents venture capital funds, family offices and VC-backed companies in fundraising, governance and investment activities. His practice also includes advising on securities law compliance, blockchain-related legal issues and serving as outside general counsel to private companies.

“I’m excited to join Lathrop GPM and contribute to the firm’s dynamic and growing Business Transactions team,” said Kim. “The firm’s strong platform, collaborative culture and expanding national footprint, especially in Northern California, align perfectly with my practice and client base. I’m particularly eager to grow my venture capital and emerging company practice while continuing to support clients in M&A and other corporate finance transactions.”

Kim earned his J.D. from the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Law, an M.A. in East Asian Studies from Harvard University and a B.A. in Economics from Cornell University. He is admitted to practice in Missouri and Kansas. 

About Lathrop GPM LLP 

Lathrop GPM is a full-service Am Law 200 law firm with over 360 attorneys and other legal professionals in 14 offices. Meeting the legal needs of businesses, organizations and high-net-worth individuals, our attorneys provide a full spectrum of corporate legal services: corporate, tax and business transactions, labor, employment and franchise law, litigation, intellectual property, private client services, real estate, and trusts and estates. We help clients grow and succeed, anticipate trends, plan for challenges and bring their visions to life. Clients recognize Lathrop GPM for our commitment to client service, legal project management and innovative pricing capabilities. A Multilaw and Employment Law Alliance affiliate, we have the resources of more than 90 independent law firms in 100 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.lathropgpm.com. 

For more information, please contact:

Jasmine Trillos-Decarie

Jasmine.Decarie@lathropgpm.com | 720.931.3125