DLA Piper becomes first global business law firm in NZ

New Zealand has its first global, business law firm with DLA Phillips Fox today becoming DLA Piper New Zealand, continuing an evolution toward global integration that began with an Australian alliance in 1987.

The change formalises the growing integration of the New Zealand firm with the global business law firm DLA Piper which has 4,200 lawyers in the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East.

DLA Piper New Zealand has a team of 25 partners and 67 lawyers and a client base featuring some of New Zealand’s largest companies and organisations operating domestically and globally, along with many international brands and companies operating in New Zealand.

"We are leading the legal services market in recognising and responding to the changing needs of client organisations as they become increasingly global or influenced by global trends," says Martin Wiseman, Chairman of DLA Piper New Zealand.

"We advise international clients doing business in New Zealand and those New Zealand organisations doing business elsewhere, offering seamless service in all major regions and key markets. In every major sector and specialist practice, we provide innovative, commercially astute advice.

"As a local firm, we support clients in government, public organisations and business which are focused on New Zealand, providing in-depth local knowledge, networks and best advice for the New Zealand context."

Mr Wiseman says DLA Piper will continue to focus on building strong client relationships and attracting high quality partners, lawyers and graduates.

"We attract the best talent, who want to work for a firm with a clear competitive point of difference, that is client and people focused, and with access to international expertise and opportunities."

John Weber, Country Managing Partner for DLA Piper Australia says, "The close economic relations between New Zealand and Australia make it good business sense for DLA Piper to have a presence in New Zealand and the two businesses will continue to work very closely together."

Global board member Andrew Darwin says, "DLA Piper was built to serve clients wherever they do business and have legal needs, so New Zealand is an important country for us."