Pallavi Wahi: Building Bridges Between Law, Innovation, and Community in Seattle

Pallavi Wahi’s remarkable journey embodies both personal transformation and professional excellence in Seattle’s legal landscape. Twenty-five years ago, she arrived in Seattle as an immigrant without connections; today, she’s launching Arnold & Porter’s Seattle office while championing the city’s innovation ecosystem. This veteran lawyer recently left her position as managing partner at K&L Gates to spearhead Arnold & Porter’s ambitious expansion in the Pacific Northwest—a move that represents not just a career advancement but the completion of a personal circle. The firm has secured space in downtown’s U.S. Bank Center with plans to bring on at least 60 attorneys within two years, specifically targeting Seattle’s thriving innovation economy and the increasingly complex regulatory challenges it faces. “Arnold and Porter has a very deep regulatory bench, and that is really what makes them so much of a differentiator in the market,” Wahi explains, highlighting the firm’s expertise across healthcare, technology, manufacturing, cross-border trade, FDA compliance, and antitrust work—all areas where companies desperately need strategic guidance amid evolving regulations.

In the rapidly evolving technological landscape, Arnold & Porter has embraced artificial intelligence tools while maintaining a thoughtful approach to their implementation. The firm utilizes leading platforms including Microsoft Copilot, Anthropic Claude Enterprise, and ChatGPT Enterprise alongside proprietary in-house models for document review, legal research, collaboration, litigation preparation, transactional diligence, and regulatory review. Wahi describes the firm as “very open to accepting and moving forward with new technology,” actively piloting AI applications to enhance client services. However, she draws a firm line regarding AI’s role in the legal profession: while it serves as a valuable assistant to attorneys, it cannot substitute for their judgment or expertise. “We have to be careful that it doesn’t substitute for actual legal work,” she cautions. “You should not be filing briefs or doing anything which is generated by AI. You are the author—and the minute you forget that… is when trouble comes.” This balanced perspective reflects both her embrace of innovation and her commitment to preserving the essential human elements of legal practice.

Seattle holds a special place in Wahi’s heart, and her enthusiasm for the city shines through when she discusses its transformation. Over her 25-year residence, she has witnessed Seattle become increasingly welcoming, entrepreneurial, and vibrant—qualities she believes make it “an incredible incubator of change.” The city’s unique energy has been fundamental to her personal and professional growth: “There’s an energy here,” she notes with evident passion. “There’s a fabric of electricity.” This environment, in her view, elevates those who engage with it fully: “This city makes you bigger than you are. I truly believe that the reason for the success of many in this city is because of Seattle.” Her deep appreciation for Seattle’s transformative qualities underscores why she has chosen to continue building her career and community connections in the Pacific Northwest, even as she takes on new challenges with a nationally prominent firm.

Throughout her distinguished career, Wahi has maintained a dual focus—excelling in her legal practice while actively contributing to Seattle’s broader community. Her involvement spans an impressive array of organizations, including the Seattle Chamber, the Federal Reserve Bank, the Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle Repertory Theatre, and the King County Bar Foundation. She even participated in a dance competition to raise funds for Plymouth Housing, demonstrating her willingness to step outside her comfort zone for worthy causes. This extensive civic engagement reflects her deeply held belief that professionals, especially attorneys, have responsibilities that extend beyond their immediate work: “As a lawyer, I do believe I have a role to be a community leader, to really try and show up in ways that can help.” Her commitment to service exemplifies the values she hopes to instill throughout Seattle’s business community.

Wahi’s philosophy centers on meaningful participation and authentic engagement. Her straightforward message to fellow leaders emphasizes that showing up consistently is what truly matters: “We need to show up for more than doing our jobs. We need to show up for each other in ways that make sense to ourselves.” This perspective has guided her approach to both legal practice and community leadership, resulting in a career characterized by excellence and impact. As she embarks on establishing Arnold & Porter’s presence in Seattle, she brings this same philosophy—combining professional rigor with civic responsibility—to her new role. The firm’s strategic focus on the innovation economy aligns perfectly with Seattle’s position as a technology hub, while Wahi’s deep community connections ensure that their legal work will be informed by a nuanced understanding of the local landscape.

As Seattle continues evolving as a global center for innovation, Wahi stands uniquely positioned to bridge multiple worlds—connecting a prestigious national law firm with the local business ecosystem, navigating the intersection of technology and regulation, and linking professional success with community engagement. Her journey from newcomer to influential leader offers an inspiring blueprint for meaningful career development that honors both personal ambition and civic responsibility. Through her example, Wahi demonstrates how legal expertise, technological understanding, and community involvement can be woven together into a career that not only achieves professional excellence but also contributes substantively to the vitality of Seattle’s business and cultural landscape. As Arnold & Porter establishes its presence in the Pacific Northwest under her guidance, both the firm and the city stand to benefit from this thoughtful integration of legal acumen, innovation mindset, and community commitment.