DLA Piper is built to support businesses who work on a global basis. Our international offices are well established and developed. A powerful combination of local lawyers who understand their jurisdictions and English qualified lawyers (in some cases dual qualified), means we are ideally placed to deliver a one-stop-shop for legal services, both within and across geographic and economic borders. Our experience of supporting clients with their international expansion plans is second to none, from acquisitions, corporate structures and joint ventures through to collaborative commercial arrangements.

Overview

Building strong and substantial client relationships is the compass for DLA Piper's business strategy and future development. DLA Piper is one of the world's largest law firms, with offices across Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas.

With a direct presence in over 30 countries, we represent clients in a broad range of geographies and practice areas. In jurisdictions where we do not have our own offices, we have DLA Piper Relationship firms.

In a nutshell, we understand local jurisdictions. We recognise that there is not a “one size fits all” approach to establishing business operations and can add real value to your business by helping you navigate through the complexities involved and the impact of cultures

Our clients range from multinational Global 1000 and Fortune 500 enterprises to emerging companies developing industry leading technologies. They include more than half of the Fortune 250 and over 100 of the FTSE 350 or their subsidiaries.

Our history

DLA Piper was formed on January 1, 2005, with the merger of three firms: UK firm DLA LLP, Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich LLP and Piper Rudnick LLP. At the time, this made us the third-largest law firm in the world – we have since grown to become the world’s second largest law firm.

Our US presence dates back to 1903 with the foundation of Marbury & Gosnell in Baltimore (later Piper Marbury). In 1999, Piper Marbury merged with Chicago firm Rudnick & Wolfe to form Piper, Marbury, Rudnick & Wolfe (later Piper Rudnick).

DLA began with the 1996 merger of Dibb Lupton Broomhead and Alsop Wilkinson. These two predecessor firms were established by lawyers whose practices date back to the late 18th century. The name “DLA” is derived from the initials of Dibb, Lupton and Alsop.