DLA Piper Makes up 62 Partners

Why It Matters

The expanded partnership strengthens DLA Piper’s talent pool as it restructures globally, positioning the firm to compete more effectively in integrated, multinational legal work. The move signals a broader industry shift toward unified structures that can deliver seamless service to global clients.

Key Takeaways

• 62 lawyers promoted, 24 in US, 14 in Europe
• Corporate group leads with 20 new partners, litigation follows
• Women represent 25% of new partners, matching firm-wide 26% rate
• Firm moves to global LLP, dissolving Swiss verein structure
• New structure aims to boost international coordination and market share

Pulse Analysis

DLA Piper’s latest promotion cycle underscores the firm’s continued emphasis on scaling its talent base across key practice areas. By adding 62 partners—most notably 20 in corporate and 12 in litigation—the firm reinforces its capacity to handle complex, high‑value transactions and disputes. The geographic spread, with a quarter of the new partners based in the United States, reflects DLA Piper’s strategic focus on its largest market while still nurturing growth in Europe, Canada, and the Asia‑Pacific region. This balanced expansion helps the firm maintain a robust pipeline of senior counsel capable of serving multinational clients.

Simultaneously, DLA Piper is dismantling its long‑standing Swiss verein model in favor of a single global limited‑liability partnership (LLP). The new structure places a global LLP above the existing US and International entities, preserving local operations while streamlining governance and profit sharing. Proponents argue that this unified framework will eliminate coordination bottlenecks, reduce administrative overhead, and present a clearer brand to clients seeking consistent service across borders. In a market where rivals are consolidating and adopting similar models, the shift aims to protect market share and attract cross‑border work that demands seamless collaboration.

The promotion data also highlights incremental progress on diversity, with women comprising roughly a quarter of the new partners, aligning closely with the firm’s overall 26% female partnership representation. While still below parity, the consistency suggests DLA Piper is maintaining its diversity trajectory amid broader industry pressure for inclusive leadership. Combined with the structural overhaul, these moves position DLA Piper to better meet client expectations for both expertise and representation, reinforcing its status as a leading global law firm.