DLA Piper

DLA Piper is a global law firm known for its extensive reach and comprehensive legal services. With a presence in over 40 countries and employing thousands of lawyers, DLA Piper is one of the largest law firms in the world. The firm offers a wide range of legal expertise, covering areas such as corporate law, litigation, intellectual property, finance, real estate, employment, and more.

DLA Piper was formed in 2005 through a merger between several prominent law firms, including Dibb Lupton Alsop, Rudnick & Wolfe, and Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich. Since its inception, the firm has grown rapidly, expanding its global footprint and establishing a strong reputation for delivering high-quality legal services to clients worldwide.

The firm's client base includes multinational corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals. DLA Piper is well-regarded for its ability to handle complex and cross-border legal matters, providing strategic advice and innovative solutions to its clients' most challenging legal issues.

DLA Piper places a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion, striving to create an inclusive and supportive work environment. The firm actively participates in pro bono initiatives, community outreach programs, and sustainability efforts to make a positive impact on society.

With its extensive network of offices and legal professionals, DLA Piper is positioned to provide seamless legal assistance on a global scale. The firm's commitment to excellence, breadth of expertise, and global reach have solidified its position as a leading law firm in the international legal market.

DLA Piper has a rich history that traces back to the merger of three major law firms in 2005. The firms involved in the merger were Dibb Lupton Alsop, Rudnick & Wolfe, and Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich. This strategic union brought together established firms from the United Kingdom, the United States, and Germany, creating a global legal powerhouse.

Dibb Lupton Alsop, founded in 1834, was a reputable UK law firm with a long history of providing legal services. The firm experienced significant growth and expansion throughout the 20th century, developing expertise in various practice areas, including corporate law, litigation, and real estate.

Rudnick & Wolfe, established in 1962 in Chicago, had established itself as a prominent law firm in the United States. The firm specialized in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, and securities law, earning a strong reputation for its services.

Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich, founded in 1927 in California, was known for its expertise in intellectual property law, technology, and emerging growth companies. The firm had represented many innovative and high-profile clients in the technology sector.

Recognising the benefits of combining their strengths, Dibb Lupton Alsop, Rudnick & Wolfe, and Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich merged in 2005 to form DLA Piper. The merger was a significant milestone in the legal industry, creating a firm with an extensive global presence and a broad range of legal capabilities.

Following the merger, DLA Piper embarked on an ambitious growth strategy, expanding its reach to new jurisdictions and strengthening its practice areas. The firm established offices in key business centers around the world, including London, New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Dubai, among many others. Through organic growth and strategic acquisitions, DLA Piper continued to enhance its global footprint, enabling it to better serve its clients' needs on an international scale.

DLA Piper's growth and success have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. The firm has consistently ranked among the top law firms globally, known for its legal expertise, client service, and innovative approach to solving complex legal challenges.

Throughout its history, DLA Piper has demonstrated a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and corporate social responsibility. The firm has implemented various initiatives to promote diversity within its workforce and actively participates in pro bono work, supporting access to justice and making a positive impact on communities worldwide.

Today, DLA Piper stands as one of the largest and most influential law firms globally, with thousands of lawyers and professionals providing comprehensive legal services across a wide range of industries and practice areas. The firm's commitment to excellence, international reach, and client-centric approach continue to shape its history and position DLA Piper as a leader in the legal industry.

DLA Piper's mission is to become the “most trusted legal partner” for their clients, consistently delivering exceptional results on a global scale. The firm is committed to establishing strong, long-term relationships with their clients based on trust, reliability, and outstanding service.

DLA Piper aims to exceed client expectations by providing top-quality legal counsel and achieving remarkable outcomes in every engagement. They strive to understand their clients' unique needs, industry dynamics, and business objectives, allowing them to deliver tailored solutions that address specific challenges and opportunities.

Through their mission, DLA Piper aims to be the go-to legal partner for their clients, offering a comprehensive range of legal services across various jurisdictions. They emphasize the importance of building enduring relationships with their clients, acting as trusted advisors who are always available to support and guide them through complex legal matters.

To fulfil their mission, DLA Piper emphasises excellence in all aspects of their work. They invest in recruiting and developing highly skilled legal professionals who possess deep industry knowledge and a passion for delivering outstanding results. By leveraging their global presence and diverse expertise, DLA Piper strives to provide comprehensive, integrated, and innovative legal solutions that meet the evolving needs of their clients.

DLA Piper's mission also encompasses a commitment to maintaining the highest ethical standards and promoting diversity and inclusion within the legal profession. They aim to create an inclusive and supportive work environment that fosters collaboration, respects diversity, and promotes equal opportunities for all.

DLA Piper envisions redefining the way a global law firm delivers services to the world's most ambitious businesses. Their vision centres around “redefining how a global law firm serves the world’s most aspiring businesses”.

With this vision, DLA Piper aims to go beyond traditional legal services and provide innovative solutions that align with the evolving demands of modern businesses. They seek to understand the unique challenges faced by their clients and offer tailored strategies that help them thrive in a rapidly changing global landscape.

DLA Piper's vision encompasses a commitment to excellence, innovation, and a deep understanding of the industries they serve. They strive to provide cutting-edge legal advice and practical guidance that empowers their clients to make informed decisions and achieve their business objectives.

In pursuit of their vision, DLA Piper embraces a client-centric approach, building strong and lasting relationships based on trust and collaboration. They aim to be strategic partners, supporting their clients' growth and success by offering not only legal expertise but also insights into emerging trends, risks, and opportunities.

By redefining the role of a global law firm, DLA Piper aims to be at the forefront of legal innovation, continuously adapting to the changing needs of their clients and the broader business landscape. Their vision drives them to shape the future of legal services, providing transformative solutions that enable their clients to navigate complex challenges and seize new opportunities.

DLA Piper offers a comprehensive range of products and services across various legal practice areas to meet the diverse needs of its clients. The firm's extensive expertise and global presence enable it to provide integrated and multidisciplinary solutions to complex legal challenges. Here are some key products and services offered by DLA Piper:

Corporate Law: DLA Piper advises clients on a wide range of corporate matters, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, private equity, venture capital, capital markets, and corporate restructuring. The firm assists clients in structuring and negotiating transactions, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and providing strategic advice to support their business objectives.

Litigation and Dispute Resolution: DLA Piper has a robust litigation and dispute resolution practice, representing clients in all types of disputes, including commercial litigation, arbitration, regulatory investigations, and intellectual property disputes. The firm's litigators have experience in various industries and jurisdictions, helping clients navigate complex legal disputes and achieve favorable outcomes.

Intellectual Property: DLA Piper advises clients on intellectual property matters, including patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret protection, licensing, and enforcement. The firm helps clients develop comprehensive IP strategies, manage their IP portfolios, and defend their rights in infringement cases.

Finance and Restructuring: DLA Piper's finance and restructuring team provides advice on banking and finance transactions, project finance, debt restructuring, insolvency, and bankruptcy matters. The firm assists clients in negotiating financing agreements, managing risk, and guiding them through complex financial transactions.

Real Estate: DLA Piper's real estate practice offers a wide range of services related to commercial real estate, including acquisitions and disposals, leasing, development projects, real estate finance, and property management. The firm advises clients on local and international real estate matters, supporting their investment and development strategies.

Employment Law: DLA Piper advises clients on various employment law matters, including employment contracts, workplace policies, employee benefits, labor disputes, and regulatory compliance. The firm assists clients in navigating complex employment laws and regulations, ensuring compliance and mitigating employment-related risks.

Regulatory and Compliance: DLA Piper helps clients navigate regulatory environments and ensure compliance with laws and regulations across industries and jurisdictions. The firm provides advice on regulatory frameworks, compliance programs, risk management, and government investigations.

Technology and Data Protection: DLA Piper advises clients on technology-related legal issues, including data protection and privacy, cybersecurity, technology transactions, e-commerce, and intellectual property matters. The firm assists clients in harnessing the potential of technology while managing associated legal risks.