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6 December 20223 minute read

DLA Piper recognized as one of the Most Innovative Law Firms in North America by the Financial Times

DLA Piper was named one of the Most Innovative Law Firms in North America by the Financial Times in the publication’s FT North America Innovative Lawyers 2022 report. In addition, the firm was recognized for its pioneering work in six individual categories.

The Financial Times recognized DLA Piper as a standout firm in the Innovation in Responsible Business category for its ongoing work with the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) to organize the legal effort to help Afghan women judges seek legal status in the US and other countries since the US withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Taliban’s takeover of the country in 2021. DLA Piper’s global pro bono team took the helm of a coordinated effort involving several other law firms to evaluate judges’ requests for legal assistance and refer them to lawyer volunteers to prepare asylum and immigration paperwork.

DLA Piper was also named a standout firm in the Innovation in ESG Practices category for its work with TOKO, a digital asset creation engine. TOKO’s ESG solutions combine next-generation technologies with ESG consulting and legal advice from DLA Piper’s lawyers, helping clients meet sustainability targets, reduce costs and create socially responsible organizational cultures, all while improving efficiency and profitability.

In the Innovation in Reinventing Legal Practice category, the firm was commended for its work helping clients navigate the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence landscape, led by partner Danny Tobey. The firm advises some of the world’s most prominent companies and governments on the legal and compliance risks of creating and deploying AI systems and was among the first law firms in the world to establish a dedicated, formal AI practice.

DLA Piper was also commended for its role as the founding law firm sponsor of the Legal Mentor Network, the first nationwide, free mentorship program for law students and recently licensed attorneys, in the Innovation in People and Skills Management category. The firm’s sponsorship enabled the Network to formalize and expand a previously informal mentoring program. DLA Piper partner Matt Schwartz serves as a strategic advisor to the organization, and chief talent development and inclusion officer Lenora Ausbon-Odom serves as a board member.

In the Most Innovative Intrapreneur category, DLA Piper’s chief innovation officer Andy Gastwirth was recognized for leading the execution of digital transformation initiatives that helped the firm’s lawyers serve clients more effectively, increased financial performance, supported global integration, reduced IT costs and differentiated DLA Piper in the industry.

Finally, the Financial Times highlighted DLA Piper partner Lauren Murdza as one of the year’s Most Innovative Practitioners in recognition of her role as global coordinating counsel assisting Pfizer with the development, coordination and negotiation of supply agreements with governmental entities to supply the company’s COVID-19 vaccine and Paxlovid anti-viral product to countries throughout the world.

“We are honored to be recognized by the Financial Times for the trailblazing work of our lawyers and business professionals, as well as our dedication to supporting diversity and inclusion, sustainability and access to justice in our communities and around the world,” said Frank Ryan, DLA Piper’s Americas chair, global co-chair and global co-CEO. “We are proud to collaborate with our clients on their most significant matters at the forefront of legal innovation, and we look forward to continuing to help them reach their goals and make an impact.”

For six years in a row, DLA Piper has been recognized by the Financial Times as one of the top legal innovators in North America.