Shock as Woolley quits DLA for fresh challenge
HIGHLY-regarded North West lawyer Simon Woolley is leaving top firm DLA Piper to seek a new challenge.
Mr Woolley, 42, a specialist in leveraged finance deals and office managing partner for nearly three years, has been with the firm for 16 years.
He will be replaced by David Gray, who will remain as the firm’s UK head of litigation.
Staff were told the news on Friday afternoon.
Mr Woolley, who officially leaves the firm this Friday, told TheBusinessDesk: “We’re leaving on positive terms. I made my mind up to leave about two weeks ago and I think I’ll take some time to see what opportunities present themselves.
“I want to put myself in the market and see what the market offers.I feel like the time is right to make the move – I’m at the prime of my business life.”
He said he would “probably look to do something outside law” and that he would like to be in his new role by the start of next year.
“David is an excellent choice to be the new office managing partner.DLA Piper is a great firm and Manchester is a fantastic office.”
Born in Dukinfield, Cheshire, Mr Woolley trained with a London firm before returning to the North West in 1993 He became a partner in 1995.. During his career with DLA he worked on a number of big-ticket deals.
He advised the funders of the £955m acquisition of retail chain Arcadia, the Barclay Brothers’ purchase of Littlewoods for £915m and the £1.1bn take private of McCarthy & Stone.
David Bradley, UK Regional managing partner, said “Simon is leaving us to pursue new business challenges and I know that this decision has not been taken lightly.
“I should like to thank Simon for his contribution to the firm, the national finance practice and the Manchester office over his career with us. I wish him well and every success in the future.
“I am delighted that David Gray, a long-standing partner in the firm and the Manchester office, and the Head of the UK Litigation practice, has agreed to become the office managing partner.
“He will provide strong leadership for the office and I look forward to working with him.”
