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Eight leading partners will join DLA Piper’s Corporate and Finance practice in New York and London

(New York and London) – DLA Piper announced today that eight partners will be joining the Corporate and Finance Practice in New York and London. Led by Jeffrey B. Steiner, the group will bring one of the world’s leading real estate and structured finance practices. Steiner will join DLA Piper from Thelen Reid Brown Raysman & Steiner, where he was a name partner, and has been Co-Chair of Business and Finance, and Chair of Real Estate. Steiner will become Co-Chair of the US Finance Group, and will join with seven additional partners: Scott A. Weinberg, Robert M. Unger, Rand B. Peppas, Marc B. Friedman, R. Kenneth MacCallum, Robert S. Mower and Jason R. Goldstein. The group is expected to join DLA Piper in September.

As Co-Chair of DLA Piper’s US Finance Group, Steiner will be focused on deepening already strong relationships with the principal investment groups and leadership of the major capital providers on Wall Street, and building DLA Piper’s existing capabilities in real estate, finance and related capital markets engagements.

“Jeff and his partners are some of the best known lawyers in real estate and structured finance, and they have built a diversified international practice,” said Lee I. Miller, Joint CEO of DLA Piper. “They have deep relationships on Wall Street and in the international financial community that will complement and strengthen our existing finance practice in the US and abroad.”

Steiner and his partners have been involved in financing transactions and related alternative structures for complex assets (both real estate and non-real estate), warehouse facilities and repo lines, hybrid debt and equity structures, privatizations of REITs as well as single asset projects and portfolio transactions. They have recently expanded their efforts overseas, both in Europe and Asia, and are heavily focused on the restructuring of loan portfolios and extending market share to other transactional activities outside real estate and structured finance. The group is expected to work closely with colleagues throughout DLA Piper’s network in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, as well as across the United States.

“Jeff is an innovative leader who recognized the need for a global platform that supports sophisticated cross-border work. DLA Piper is a great strategic fit because we have the right mix of capabilities and global reach to support the practice that Jeff and his partners have built,” said Roger Meltzer, Global Chair of Corporate and Finance at DLA Piper. “The synergy of their international practice, DLA Piper’s global platform, and our shared strengths in real estate and corporate finance will create compelling value for clients.”

Steiner, Weinberg, Unger, Peppas, MacCallum and Goldstein will be based in New York, while Friedman and Mower will practice in London.

Jeffrey B. Steiner

Steiner has been the Chair of Thelen Reid’s Real Estate Practice, and Co-Chair of the Business and Finance Practice. He regularly represents Wall Street investment banks and institutional lenders in complex structured finance transactions including construction, conduit, floating and fixed rate financings, forward loan commitments, mezzanine loans, loan participations and mortgage-backed securities transactions.

Steiner was recognized by Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2008 as one of the leading real estate lawyers in New York. He received a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law and a B.A. from McGill University.

Scott A. Weinberg

Weinberg concentrates on real estate and finance. He has extensive experience in all areas of real estate finance, acquisitions, dispositions and leasing, for both institutional and non-institutional clients. Mr. Weinberg has particular experience representing lenders in the origination and securitization of commercial mortgage loans.

He received a J.D. from New York University School of Law and a B.S., magna cum laude, from the University of Missouri.

Robert M. Unger

Unger concentrates on uniquely structured mergers and acquisitions for both private and public companies, equipment finance, secured lending, structured finance and corporate and transactional matters related to real estate finance.

He received a J.D. from Brooklyn Law School and a B.F.A., cum laude, from Boston University.

Rand B. Peppas

Peppas concentrates on real estate and real estate finance. She has extensive experience in all aspects of institutional real estate lending including interim, permanent and mezzanine loans; lines of credit; acquisitions, dispositions and financings of portfolios of mortgage loans; forward loan commitments; loan participations; and structuring of entities for equity investments in real estate.

She received a J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law and a B.A. from Emory University.

Marc B. Friedman

Friedman focuses on real estate finance, secured lending workouts and joint venture transactions. He represents both portfolio and CMBS national lenders in the origination, servicing and workout of sophisticated real estate-related loans including first mortgage, mezzanine, construction and preferred equity facilities.

A member of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers, he received a J.D. from Boston University School of Law and a B.A. from Boston University.

R. Kenneth MacCallum

MacCallum concentrates on transactional work in the capital markets, focusing on structured finance. He has extensive experience in structuring deals and developing novel structures, and preparation and negotiation of agreements and legal opinions, in public offerings and private placements of mortgage-backed and asset-backed financings.

A member of both the American and Canadian Bar Associations, he received an LL.M. from Columbia Law School and an LL.B. and B.B.A. from the University of New Brunswick.

Robert S. Mower

Mower practices corporate law, with particular emphasis on structured finance, securities law, mergers and acquisitions and private equity financing. He has broad experience in a wide range of corporate transactions including private placements, public offerings, mergers, acquisitions, secured lending, joint ventures, reorganizations and related financings.

He received a J.D., cum laude, from New York University School of Law and a B.A., summa cum laude, from Bowdoin College.

Jason R. Goldstein

Goldstein practices real estate law with work in mortgage and construction lending, workouts and restructuring loans, purchase and sale of vacant land and commercial properties, and development of commercial and industrial properties all on behalf of institutional and non-institutional clients.

He received a J.D. from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and a B.A. from Haverford College.

Hong Kong - DLA Piper has announced that corporate and financial services lawyer Luke Gannon has joined the firm as a partner in its Corporate group.  Mr Gannon will head up the firm's Funds Practice throughout Asia, as well as acting for a range of clients on mergers and acquisitions and equity capital market matters.  He will be based in the Hong Kong office and will work closely with partners from the firm's financial services and regulatory groups.

Mr Gannon has almost 20 years experience across Asia acting on a range of funds, regulatory and capital raising matters, including for real estate investment trusts, hedge funds, fund of funds, private equity, infrastructure funds, wealth managers, underwriters and corporate issuers.

Luke was previously a partner and Head of Funds at Australian law firm Freehills in Melbourne for 8 years, where his clients included a wide range of international investment banks, fund managers and sponsors and other corporates. He was rated as one of the region's leading lawyers in that space.  In 2006, he accepted an offer to work for a major client as Head of Corporate and M&A, where he gained unique commercial and acquisitions experience in the financial services sector in Asia.

Luke has a blend of funds, acquisitions, and commercial experience which is rare. "Luke brings a strong commercial approach to advising on financial services, capital raising and particularly funds-related issues, which will enhance our offering to clients" said Alastair Da Costa, Asia Managing Director of DLA Piper.  "The addition of Luke as a corporate partner and Head of Funds in Asia is a real asset to our practice.  Our continued focus on securing premium legal expertise enables us to provide clients with access to a full range of quality legal advice to support their business needs, however complex these might be."

Mr Gannon obtained his Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) from the University of Queensland.

Leading energy attorney further bolsters firm’s growing global Energy practice and Latin America initiative

(Houston) – DLA Piper announced today that Carlos A. Solé III has joined DLA Piper’s Corporate and Finance Practice group as a partner in its Houston office.

Solé’s arrival represents only the latest move in the continued expansion of the firm’s Houston office as well as its Global Energy Practice and Latin America initiative. Since its entry into the Houston market in March, DLA Piper has added leading attorneys Jack O’Neill, Mark White, Jack Langlois, Michael Bolton and Ileana Blanco, each with strong credentials in serving the energy industry.

Solé focuses his practice on domestic and international transactions in the energy field. He has represented various clients in the structuring and documentation of a diverse range of energy-related project development, merger and acquisition, financing and commodity sales transactions in the natural gas, LNG, petroleum and power sectors. Additionally, he has extensive experience in advising US and multinational clients in various industries on cross-border investment and corporate transactions in Latin America.

“Carlos has played a significant role in numerous sophisticated energy transactions worldwide,” said J. Terence O’Malley, DLA Piper US Managing Partner. “His strong connections and client relationships within the fast-developing energy capitals of the world, particularly in Latin America, will contribute a great deal to the expansion of DLA Piper’s international platform in this crucial sector and important region.”

Continuing to Build a Leading Global Energy Practice

DLA Piper’s Energy practice lawyers serve as counsel to both national and international energy companies around the world, as well as developers, sponsors, banks and private equity funds. Clients also include investor-owned and municipal utilities, specialized energy equipment and technology companies and petrochemical companies. The firm has represented these clients in a variety of energy, utility, regulatory, privatization, and complex infrastructure project and structured financing matters, as well as litigation and international arbitration. The firm also represents developers and venture capitalists involved in the development of clean technologies, and, through its own industry-leading, comprehensive sustainability program, is itself ISO 14001 certified.

“We are determined to build a leading energy practice in our Houston office, commensurate with the size of the Texas energy market. We see Houston as an equal partner with the Middle East, New York and London in our global energy practice,” added Bob Gruendel, DLA Piper’s Joint Global Head of the Energy Sector. “Carlos will be a tremendous asset as we increasingly are called on for multinational energy transactions around the world, and we are delighted to have him join this stellar group.”

Building a Leading Latin American Practice

In March 2007, DLA Piper announced the formal launch of its Latin America Initiative to ensure the delivery of seamless legal services to clients with Latin American interests.

The initiative is designed to harness the skills and extensive Latin American experiences of DLA Piper lawyers across the globe to more effectively serve clients with interests in the region, whether helping multi-national organizations complete transactions on the ground in Latin America or advising Latin American companies on a spectrum of legal issues in the US, Asia and around the world.

DLA Piper’s Latin America Initiative offers clients strong advisory and transactional support centered on Corporate/M&A, Real Estate and Finance-related legal capabilities. The initiative is further supported by leading global practices in the areas of International Dispute Resolution, Government Affairs (including International Trade and lobbying in Washington, DC) and Franchise and Distribution law.

About Carlos Solé

Prior to joining DLA Piper, Solé was a partner in the Houston office of Akin Gump. He received a J.D. and an M.P.A. from the University of Texas at Austin. He also received a B.S. in foreign service from Georgetown University.

On Monday, August 11, DLA Piper received the prestigious Pro Bono Publico Award from the American Bar Association's Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service. The award is given annually to five institutions and individual lawyers that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to volunteer legal services for the poor and disadvantaged. DLA Piper was the only law firm to receive an award. The award was presented at a luncheon held during the ABA's annual Conference in New York.

Our innovative Signature Projects, which focus human and financial resources on target areas and strategic organizations, were key to receiving the award. The ABA was particularly impressed by the scope and results of Chicago's recently completed Signature Project in Juvenile Justice, the firm’s largest pro bono project to date, and showed a video describing that project during the luncheon. To learn more and to view the video, please visit the ABA Pro Bono Publico Award - Current Recipients page on the ABA site.

Capital Markets team strengthens Atlanta office’s Private Equity and M&A capabilities

(Atlanta) – DLA Piper today announced that Joseph B. Alexander and Gerry L. Williams have joined the firm’s Corporate and Finance practice as partners in the Atlanta office. Both come to the firm from Hunton & Williams.

Alexander will serve as DLA Piper’s head of Private Equity for the Southeast and will also play a leading role in further developing the firm’s Corporate practice throughout this region.

Focused on the capital markets, Alexander previously served as co-head of Hunton & Williams’ Private Equity practice while Williams was a partner in the firm’s Global Capital Markets and Mergers and Acquisitions team.

“Consistent with our vision to attract preeminent corporate and securities attorneys to DLA Piper’s global platform, Joe and Gerry are the type of experienced and sophisticated transactional attorneys that will continue to fuel the firm’s growth while further raising our visibility with key institutions in the capital markets,” said Roger Meltzer, global chair of the Corporate and Finance practice.

“Both experienced and energetic, the additions of Joe and Gerry support the strategic expansion of our Corporate and Finance practice globally and in Atlanta,” said Jay Smith, co-chair of DLA Piper’s Corporate and Finance practice. “DLA Piper provides an exceptional global platform to expand their business throughout the United States and abroad.”

“We are excited to add such highly regarded and active members of the Atlanta legal community to our office,” added Mark E. Grantham, managing partner of DLA Piper’s Atlanta office. “Working with a diversified clientele, Joe and Gerry immediately enhance our existing Corporate and Finance capabilities, providing complex transactional experience in private equity and the capital markets.”

Alexander and Williams are also joined by associates Daniel Rollman and Anthony Webb, who also arrive to DLA Piper’s Corporate and Finance practice from Hunton & Williams’ Atlanta office.

About the Lawyers

Joseph B. Alexander focuses his practice on M&A, securities and corporate governance matters for institutional, middle-market and private equity clients. He represents nationally recognized private equity firms, their portfolio companies, and sellers to such entities in matters involving M&A, securities and corporate governance.

Additionally, he serves as outside general counsel to various public and private companies in matters involving M&A, securities and corporate governance while also advising clients on strategic partnerships, including relationships with minority owned businesses that operate under various EBO programs.

Alexander received a J.D. from the Duke University School of Law and a B.B.A., with honors, from the University of Georgia.

Gerry L. Williams represents large institutional and middle-market companies, private equity and mezzanine funds, and commercial banks in matters involving corporate governance, M&A, securities, cross-border joint ventures and general corporate matters. He has represented companies in several industries, including consumer products, financial services, food and beverage, manufacturing and telecommunications. Williams also previously served as the Administrative Partner for the Atlanta office of Hunton & Williams.

Williams received a J.D. from the Indiana University School of Law-Bloomington and a B.B.A. from the University of Georgia.

DLA Piper is the lead partner in a signature CSR project called "Building Better Lives". This initiative was launched in June 2006 by The Prince's Trust and gives young people from across the UK the opportunity to pursue a career in the construction and building services industry.

We are thrilled to have played a part in this programme which has helped almost 400 young people find employment, apprenticeships training in this sector. Through our Real Estate and Engineering & Construction Groups, we have been able to introduce a number of our clients to the initiative which has raised in excess of £2 million in received and pledged income.

"Building Better Lives" now has 30 members and patrons from the sector, and is growing on a sustainable level, providing an entirely new income stream from a previously untapped industry sector for The Prince's Trust. Many of the members introduced by DLA Piper are involved with major construction projects such as the 2012 Games, Crossrail and road, school and hospital building – all projects that offer opportunities for young people to gain training and employment.

For more information, please contact Graeme Bradley (graeme.bradley@dlapiper.com), Head of our UK Engineering & Construction Group, or Elaine Radford (elaine.radford@dlapiper.com), Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at DLA Piper.

Firm participates in Operation Homefront’s Backpack Brigade Back-to-School Drive

(San Diego) – DLA Piper today announced over $10,000 in donations of cash, school supplies and backpacks by DLA Piper’s attorneys and staff to Operation Homefront’s Backpack Brigade Back-to-School Drive. Operation Homefront’s Backpack Brigade helps provide children of active duty military with the school supplies needed to maximize their success in the upcoming school year. The effort was led by DLA Piper San Diego partners Christopher Young and Rick Storms, and associates Jennifer Feldman, Greg Morris and Jason Radford.

In May, DLA Piper launched its San Diego Signature Project, a three-year commitment to providing pro bono legal services to veterans and their families in San Diego, as well as participating in community service projects benefiting those communities. This signature project is part of DLA Piper’s national program of designated Signature Pro Bono projects in cities where it has major offices.

“We are pleased to have been part of this amazing event organized by Operation Homefront and we look forward to our continued partnership with them,” said J. Terence O’Malley, DLA Piper US Managing Partner. “DLA Piper is a global leader among law firms in its commitment to pro bono causes, and we are particularly proud of our San Diego Veterans project.”

“Chris, Rick, and the rest of the DLA Piper team’s dedication to this event and the Operation Homefront organization really exemplifies the firm’s solid commitment to the community,” added Lisa Dewey, US pro bono partner for DLA Piper.

DLA Piper has been developing significant projects in partnership with nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, foundations, and corporate clients for many years. These projects aim to develop innovative solutions to vexing social problems and help the most vulnerable members of our society. Other recent DLA Piper Signature Pro Bono Projects include Access to Education, improving the educational outcomes of low-income children in New York City, The Fight Against Hunger, supporting the fight against hunger, across the country and around the world through organizations like America’s Second Harvest and The Global FoodBanking Network and Access to Justice Commission, studying access to justice in Washington, DC. In 2007 DLA Piper contributed over $50,000,000 in attorney time to pro bono efforts in the United States.

Operation Homefront provides emergency assistance and morale to our troops, to the families they leave behind and to wounded warriors when they return home. A nonprofit 501(c)(3), Operation Homefront leads more than 4,500 volunteers in 30 chapters nationwide and has provided critical assistance to more than 45,000 military families in need.

DLA Piper UK LLP (DLA Piper) is adding to its Greater China practice with the appointment of Brussels-based competition partner, David Cox. David will shortly transfer to Hong Kong and mainland China to head up the competition team in Asia. He will join DLA Piper's 130+ strong offices in Hong Kong and Beijing where he will be splitting his time, advising clients on international competition issues and regulatory developments.

The move comes during a period of strong economic growth and legislative change in Asia, with increased trade between countries in the area and a growing Chinese market creating a unique business environment. The region is a key market for DLA Piper and the competition practice, with the firm advising many global businesses and organizations on Asian and international competition issues, and also assisting Asian companies wanting to invest in the local and broader international market.

"David will give our Hong Kong office excellent added capability as we continue to see strong growth in our Asian competition practice," commented Mike Pullen, partner and EMEA Head of Competition, Trade and Transport. "His understanding of international competition issues is renowned and he will be a valuable addition to our Greater China team as they face new and exciting opportunities in this dynamic market."

David Cox added: "The introduction of new competition laws in China, plus strong economic growth across the region combine to make the Far East a priority market for us."

"DLA Piper has built up a formidable presence and excellent reputation in Asia and I am very much looking forward to driving the competition practice forward in this key region of the global economy."

Abu Dhabi - DLA Piper is pleased to announce that it has moved into its permanent offices at Al Bateen in Abu Dhabi. DLA Piper opened in Abu Dhabi, its second office in the United Arab Emirates, earlier this year and already has a team comprising four partners and eight lawyers.

Real estate partner Duncan Pickering will become the fifth partner in the office when he officially relocates from the London office in September. He has experience of a range of commercial real estate transactions for developers, hotel operators, investors and occupiers and his skills will enhance the collective strength of the practice in the country and across the region. Duncan will join well-known media partner Ken Dearsley and project finance partner Debbie Barbour, who also relocated from London this year, construction partner Tim Burbury, who joined from Minter Ellison in April, and Office Managing Partner Stephen Webb.

DLA Piper is known for its full service approach to legal services and will be expanding the range of services offered by lawyers in Abu Dhabi as it continues to develop the office. The practice already has a significant team specialising in projects and banking and finance. In line with DLA Piper's growth strategy for the Middle East, the Abu Dhabi office is set to more than double in size by the end of this year. This expansion will include at least three more partners and is in response to the growing demand for inbound and outbound legal services.

Commenting on recent developments Stephen Webb, Office Managing Partner for Abu Dhabi, said: "Having the right people and specialist capability on the ground is the key for us. Clients we have been fortunate enough to work for to date have told us they appreciate our commercial approach and the depth of our Abu Dhabi based team as well as our international reach. We now have a very strong construction and project/finance team in place and are replicating this in other core areas, including real estate and corporate."

Stephen added: "The government is now well advanced in the execution of its vision for building an iconic city, diversifying its economy and investing its oil revenue wisely. The leaders are quite impressive in pushing this in the right direction and encouraging the private sector's participation. The pace of this development is incredible and we are enjoying the challenge of trying to keep up."

Nigel Knowles, Joint Chief Executive Officer at DLA Piper, said: "Our intention is to continue to invest significantly in Abu Dhabi and build a real presence there to serve the needs of this very important Emirate, which is of strategic importance to our business globally. We are helping new and existing clients across the Middle East and it is essential that we expand in Abu Dhabi in order to continue to do this well. There is a huge demand for quality legal services in the Gulf and countries across the surrounding region and this will result in further expansion in Abu Dhabi in the coming months."

DLA Piper's presence across the Middle East is strengthened by its 100-strong lawyer team in Dubai, offices in Doha and Muscat, which opened earlier this year, and a dedicated Saudi Arabian practice that works exclusively with the Law Office of Abdulaziz Al-Bosaily in Riyadh.

The Bahrain based Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) recently appointed Oliver Agha, Global Head of Islamic Finance at DLA Piper, one of the largest global law firm by number of lawyers, to its Accounting and Auditing Standards Board (AASB) and Auditing and Governance Standards Committee (AGSC).

Established in 1990, AAOIFI has over 180 members from over 40 countries and it is the leading standards-setting body for the international Islamic finance industry. The AASB has responsibility for the development of AAOIFI standards on accounting, auditing, ethics, and governance for the international Islamic finance industry. The AGSC comprises selected members of the AASB and is charged with developing and reviewing standards for auditing and governance. Agha will join existing members of the AGSC representing the Islamic Development Bank, the Dubai Financial Services Authority, Jordan Islamic Bank and PricewaterhouseCoopers, among others.

Agha spearheaded the development of DLA Piper's Islamic Finance Team in early 2007, which received the IIR "Global Recognition in Islamic Finance for a Law Firm Award" for 2008.

Asked about his appointment, Agha said: "I am honoured to have been chosen to join the AASB and AGSC, two important bodies of the AAOIFI, which under Dr Alchaar's dynamic leadership serve an integral role in developing the Islamic finance industry. As Islamic finance grows, the role of AAOIFI will become increasingly important in shaping the direction of the growth and establishing parameters to avoid pitfalls."
Dr Mohamad Nedal Alchaar, Secretary General of AAOIFI said: "We are delighted that Mr Oliver Agha has agreed to serve on the AASB and AGSC. His wealth of experience and expertise will definitely benefit AAOIFI in developing high-quality standards that can support the expansion and sustain the growth of international Islamic finance industry."

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