The partners of DLA Piper US LLP and DLA Piper International LLP have overwhelmingly approved further global integration under a single leadership team, led by Frank Ryan as Global Chairman and Co-CEO, and Charles Severs as Co-CEO. This initiative will strengthen the firm’s competitive position and enhance its ability to handle complex cases and attract top talent across all its practice areas and markets worldwide.
“DLA Piper is uniquely positioned to help its clients navigate an environment marked by the increasing complexity of doing business internationally, with less commercial and regulatory certainty, and rapid technological disruption,” said Frank Ryan. “This synergy strengthens our ability to invest in the lawyers, teams, and technologies that will transform competition in key legal markets.”
With projected global revenues of $4.6 billion in 2025, the firm aims to surpass the success of its first 20 years. The leadership team will also include John Gilluly and Loren Brown as vice presidents, Sandra Wallace and Rick Chesley as global co-managing partners, and Benjamin Parameswaran as international managing director of clients.
“Today’s milestone marks another step in two decades of successful collaboration between our U.S. and international divisions,” said Charles Severs. “DLA Piper already advises clients on some of the most complex local and international matters in the market, but our ambition is to offer the full strength of our platform. This initiative reflects our shared confidence that DLA Piper can gain market share when the firm operates with a unified global focus and coordination.”
The changes will take effect on May 1, 2026. The new structure will consist of a global limited liability company (LLP) that will sit above the existing U.S. and international entities, which will continue to operate. It will replace the current partnership, DLA Piper Global Swiss, which will be dissolved. The firm’s strategic direction will be guided by global executive and policy committees.
