DLA Piper expands Johannesburg offering with the appointment of Livia Dyer

Global law firm DLA Piper is pleased to announce the appointment of telecommunications, media and technology lawyer, Livia Dyer in Johannesburg. Livia joins the firm’s global intellectual property and technology (IPT) group, as its first South Africa-based partner.

Livia joins the firm from Bowmans where she was a partner for 11 years. She has more than 17 years’ experience in South Africa’s most highly regulated sectors, with a focus on telecommunications, media and technology where she provides both regulatory and transactional advice. Her practice also has a strong focus advising clients on broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) matters.

Commenting on the appointment, Johannes Gouws, Country Managing Partner in South Africa, said: “Livia brings outstanding regulatory experience at a time where we are seeing increased M&A, commercial and litigation activity in the telecoms and technology sectors as well as a continued focus on compliance with BBBEE codes. Her skills complement our existing capabilities, with the continued growth and expansion of our office a reflection of our commitment to providing clients with a fully integrated service offering.”

Paul Allen, Global Co-Chair of Intellectual Property and Technology, added: “South Africa, and Africa more broadly, is an important market for our clients. Livia’s skill set enhances our ability to provide clients with a fully integrated regulatory offering. Her appointment follows similar senior appointments we have made in the UK and Hong Kong to address the growing interface we are seeing between technology and regulation in sectors such as telecommunications and financial services.”

Livia Dyer, adds: “I am delighted to be joining a firm which has such deep relationships with clients across the technology and telecoms sectors – not just in South Africa but across Africa and globally. DLA Piper’s impressive international offering means we are well placed to advise and support clients in navigating their way through an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.”

Livia joins with associate, Humayra Hajat who commenced on 15 September.