12 January 2026
DLA Piper names Russel Drew Managing Partner in Canada
DLA Piper today announced the appointment of Russel (Russ) Drew as Canada Managing Partner, effective January 1, 2026. Russ will also join the firm’s US Executive Committee, helping advance strategic priorities that support clients globally.
DLA Piper has offices in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, and Edmonton and operates in more than 40 countries worldwide.
“The strength of our global platform allows us to support clients wherever they do business,” said Frank Ryan, the firm’s Global Co-Chair. “Russ has a deep understanding of our clients’ needs and will help us continue to deliver strong results in Canada and beyond.”
Russ has been with the firm for a decade and has advised on some of the largest and most complex transactions in Canada. His corporate practice is focused on mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and venture capital matters, in both private and public company representation.
Russ succeeds Robert (Rob) Seidel, K.C., whose leadership since 2015 has been instrumental in shaping DLA Piper’s Canadian presence. Rob will continue to support clients as Chairman Emeritus. Further underscoring the firm’s commitment to Canada, two additional Canadian partners will be named to the firm’s US Executive Committee in 2026.
“DLA Piper is uniquely positioned to lead in Canada’s dynamic business environment,” Russ said. “Our team’s depth and cross-border capabilities empower clients to achieve their most ambitious goals. We will continue to drive innovation, expand our market leadership, and help ensure our clients are equipped to succeed.”
DLA Piper has offices in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, and Edmonton and operates in more than 40 countries worldwide.
“The strength of our global platform allows us to support clients wherever they do business,” said Frank Ryan, the firm’s Global Co-Chair. “Russ has a deep understanding of our clients’ needs and will help us continue to deliver strong results in Canada and beyond.”
Russ has been with the firm for a decade and has advised on some of the largest and most complex transactions in Canada. His corporate practice is focused on mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and venture capital matters, in both private and public company representation.
Russ succeeds Robert (Rob) Seidel, K.C., whose leadership since 2015 has been instrumental in shaping DLA Piper’s Canadian presence. Rob will continue to support clients as Chairman Emeritus. Further underscoring the firm’s commitment to Canada, two additional Canadian partners will be named to the firm’s US Executive Committee in 2026.
“DLA Piper is uniquely positioned to lead in Canada’s dynamic business environment,” Russ said. “Our team’s depth and cross-border capabilities empower clients to achieve their most ambitious goals. We will continue to drive innovation, expand our market leadership, and help ensure our clients are equipped to succeed.”