DLA Piper focussed on supporting clients in high-growth sectors, says new Australian Managing Partner

DLA Piper's new Country Managing Partner (CMP) for Australia, Shane Bilardi, said today that leveraging the firm’s deep global and local expertise in strategic sectors is key to supporting clients’ growth ambitions.

Mr Bilardi, who took up the role of CMP this week, said DLA Piper was ideally positioned to succeed in the current global environment because of its genuine regional and global connectivity, the depth of which is a competitive difference in Australia.

"In complex global conditions, this connectivity is more important than ever as we actively work with our clients to support their growth plans and help them manage risk," Mr Bilardi said.

"Our success is our clients' success. We link our best people around the world to work with clients to support their ambitions in critical, high-growth sectors," he said.

Mr Bilardi, who is based in Melbourne, said there are a number of sectors in which DLA Piper in Australia can deliver market-leading expertise.

"When it comes to areas such as energy transition and renewables, infrastructure, funds management, defence, technology and digital infrastructure – every day we are working with clients who are at the forefront of these sectors," he said.

Jean-Pierre Douglas-Henry, DLA Piper’s Managing Director for Asia Pacific and global head of Sustainability & Resilience reiterated the importance of playing to strengths in an increasingly competitive market and globalised context.

“Internationalisation of the legal market for Australian firms has been happening at a rapid pace here for over 15 years, in response to a changing global legal landscape. We were ahead of the curve in creating a truly global firm, now operating in over 90 offices across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific."

The firm's focus on building its front-end capability is a key driver in successfully supporting clients, as demonstrated by the recent strategic recruitment of partners Jon Ireland, David Holland and Chris Allen.

At the same time, the firm has continually invested in its leading commercial litigation offering, complemented by the Hon. John Middleton AM KC, who acts as a Senior Advisor to DLA Piper's clients, providing strategic advice and second opinions on issues of highest order.

"We are excited and optimistic about this next phase with Shane Bilardi as Australia’s CMP. Shane led our Australian corporate practice prior to taking on this role and understands the firm’s unique strengths, client base and how we can leverage our international connections to support their success. He was the ideal choice to replace Amber Matthews and build on her legacy. We thank her for her service to the firm over many years," Mr Douglas-Henry said.