Reports out of Turkey indicate DLA Piper is placing a stake in the Middle East country with a new office. Joint CEO and Managing Partner Nigel Knowles told a group of Turkish journalists that the move is part of the firm’s plan to have a presence in all countries in the G-20.
According to Knowles, 58 of the firm’s top 100 clients currently invest in Turkey and they asked the firm to enter the market. He notes the country’s emergence among the G-20 made the move an easy decision.
“Turkey is 17th in the G-20, and it has got ambitions to go even beyond that,” Knowles told Today’s Zaman. “I understand that in the time frame of four to five years it is estimated that Turkey will be around 12th of the G-20. So far as DLA Piper is concerned, we cannot claim to be the leading law firm if we haven’t got a solution for Turkey.
Knowles goes on to touch on a number of subjects. He believes the firm is in perfect position during these tough economic times, noting corporations are cutting their legal budgets and “looking for greater value for money.”
Knowles also believes DLA Piper’s presence in Turkey will be enough to spur investment in the country. Companies “will find it easier now because we are there to support them,” he said.
According to the report, the addition of Turkey gives DLA Piper a presence in 30 countries with 68 offices and more than 8,000 employees.