Sir Nigel Knowles has been the driving force behind DLA Piper's growth, taking the firm from its UK regional origins to a global business in the past 20 years. The firm now has a turnover in excess of USD2.5bn, and lawyers located in more than 30 countries throughout the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East.
Global drive
David Morley will be replaced by Mr Dejonghe who will step into the role for a four-year term commencing 1 May.He has served as the firm's managing partner since 2008 and has overseen a lift in revenue from £1.09bn to £1.23bn under his leadership. Mr Dejonghe's assent will see the exit of incumbent senior partner David Morley, who is stepping down after 36 years with the firm. He congratulated Mr Dejonghe on his election and expressed confidence that the firm will 'continue to thrive under his leadership.' Other candidates for the top job included banking co-head Stephen Kensell, Paris-based competition partner Michel Struys and head of the firm's dispute resolution practice Tim House, though Mr Dejonghe was understood to be the frontrunner for the role. The firm will now need to elect a replacement for Mr Dejonghe when he leaves the managing partner role, with global corporate practice co-head Andrew Ballheimer, banking co-head Andrew Trahair, finance partner Michael Castle and Tokyo-based corporate finance partner Simon Black all in contention. The election is slated to take place late next week.
Sources: Legal Business; Legal Week
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