DLA Piper is set to become the world’s largest law firm by number of attorneys once its merger deal with DLA Phillips Fox , a trans-Tasman law firm and DLA Piper’s Australian alliance partner, is sealed. The merger is part of DLA Piper’s plan for bolstering its worldwide presence, particularly in Asia. The two firms are discussing the merger details as of now, and are expected to finalize the details by February.
DLA Piper explained that Australia offers an attractive path to enter the Asian market. In 2010, Allen & Overy launched two Australian law firm offices to boosts its presence in cross-border Asia-Australia deals (credit gary). In 2008, Clifford Chance also explored a merger deal with Mallesons Stephen Jaques, one of Australia’s legal giants. Once the merger is set, DLA Piper will have over 4,000 lawyers throughout its worldwide operations, becoming one of the top law firms in Australia and the largest in the world.
Alistair Da Costa, DLA Piper’s Asia managing director, said that the new merger deal is proof that DLA Piper is aggressive enough to have a strong presence in Asia. DLA Piper has already successfully set up its operations in Asian cities such as Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai and Tokyo.
