Jan Geert Meents appointed as Country Managing Partner for DLA Piper Germany

Global law firm DLA Piper announces the appointment of Dr Jan Geert Meents as Country Managing Partner (CMP) for Germany, effective 1 May 2026.

Jan joined the firm in 2008 and is based in the Munich office. He has built a highly successful technology and IT practice advising multi-national clients on digital transformation, data analytics, AI, cloud computing, and data protection and is considered one of the leading technology lawyers in Germany. Jan was a member of DLA Piper's International Executive Committee from 2014 to 2024, first as MD for Sectors and Clients, then as Joint MD for the UK and Europe. He is also the partner sponsor for the firm's Alumni network.

Jan succeeds Dr Kai Bodenstedt and Dr Martin Haller, who have served as Co-CMPs since 2022. During this period, they continued to elevate the firm's offering in Germany, welcomed several strategic partner hires, increased the performance of the German business, and established the firm's newest German office in Düsseldorf. Kai and Martin will take on internal roles within their International Practice Groups.

Dr Kai Bodenstedt and Dr Martin Haller, Co-Country Managing Partners, DLA Piper, said: “Leading the firm's German practice has been an honour for us both, and we thank our colleagues in Germany and across the firm who have supported us during our tenure. As we hand the reins over to Jan, we do so with full confidence in his leadership and look forward to dedicating our focus once again to our clients and practices.”

Dr Jan Geert Meents, Partner and Germany Country Managing Partner Elect, DLA Piper, continued: “I'd like to thank Kai and Martin for all they have done during their time in leadership, and for their support as I transition into the CMP role. Their commitment and strategic focus have created strong momentum across our German practice. I very much look forward to working with them, and colleagues across Germany, to continue driving our business forward.”

Philippe Danesi, Joint Managing Director for Europe, DLA Piper, concluded: “We are grateful for Kai and Martin's commitment and leadership. They have steered the practice through challenging market conditions while increasing performance of the German business and ensured the firm remains at the centre of the German legal market. As Jan steps into the role, we look forward to his contribution to the continued growth of our German practice and his continued collaboration with our wider global business.”