DLA Piper appoints new Country Managing Partner in the Netherlands

DLA Piper has appointed Lex Oosterling as Country Managing Partner in the Netherlands, succeeding Paul Hopman. Stepping away from the Country Managing Partner role, Paul will become DLA Piper’s International Group Head of Litigation & Regulatory and Global Co-Chair Litigation & Regulatory. The appointments are effective as of 1 November 2021.

Lex Oosterling joined DLA Piper in 2003 and became a Partner in 2012. He has been the Location Head of the Finance, Projects & Restructuring (FP&R) group in the Netherlands since 2013. Under Lex’ leadership, the FP&R practice has further diversified and specialised which has resulted in impressive growth. In addition, the group’s early focus on climate change issues has been recognised by clients and legal directory rankings as leading from both a national and international standpoint.

Lex commented on his appointment: “I am thrilled to have the privilege of becoming the Country Managing Partner for DLA Piper in the Netherlands. In that role, I will continue to focus on ESG as well as on further strengthening the relationships with our clients and maintaining an open, diverse and inclusive culture within our great firm. I would like to thank Paul for his tremendous contribution to the firm as Country Managing Partner and I wish him all the best in his new international role.”

After two highly successful terms as Country Managing Partner for the Netherlands, Paul Hopman steps away from the position on 31 October 2021. Paul took on the role of Country Managing Partner in November 2015 and under his leadership the Dutch practice has gone from strength to strength. It was always Paul’s intention to serve no more than two terms and to ensure the appointment of his successor allowed for a thorough onboarding and smooth transition.

Paul said: “After holding the position of Country Managing Partner for the Netherlands for six years, I am excited and grateful to be appointed to the role of International Group Head for Litigation & Regulatory. In that capacity I can build on the good work of my predecessor and help our business to guide our clients through current and upcoming challenges. I owe our clients, the firm and in particular everyone associated with the Amsterdam office a big thank for their trust and support in leading the team and wish Lex all the best. He has the full support of our Amsterdam and International partnership and will do extremely well as Country Managing Partner.”

Following Lex’s appointment as Country Managing Partner, Gerard Kneppers will be appointed as his successor in the role of FP&R Location Head.