Changes at the top as DLA Piper looks to the future

PHILIP Rooney and David Gray, office managing partners at DLA Piper in Liverpool and Manchester respectively, are handing over the reins to younger colleagues.

Mr Rooney, who has led the firm’s Liverpool office for nine years, is stepping down at the end of this month and is returning to full-time fee-earning work in the real estate team. He will be replaced by employment partner Ben Miller.

Mr Rooney, a passionate advocate for the city of Liverpool, says he will remain keenly involved in the business community.

He said: “It has been a real privilege to lead DLA Piper’s Liverpool office over the last nine years at a time of such great progress for the Liverpool City Region.

“I am delighted that Ben Miller is taking over the role of office managing partner and am confident that he will lead our outstanding team of people to great success.”

Mr Gray, pictured, who has been office managing partner in Manchester for the last four years will stand down from the role at the end of December. He will be continuing his national role as head of the firm’s litigation and regulatory group.

His successor is Liam Cowell, who heads the firm’s projects team, and who is advising Halton Borough Council on its procurement process for the £500m Mersey Gateway project.

Mr Gray told TheBusinessDesk.com that he feels a four-year term is enough in the role, and that it is important to allow “new blood” to have a say in the direction of the firm.

“Liam is an excellent successor and I’ll be working with him over the next six months to ensure a smooth hand-over. I have enjoyed my spell as office managing partner greatly and it just feels that this is the right time to step aside.

Our business in Manchester is in great shape and I am delighted to hand over to Liam at the end of this year. Liam has 20 years’ experience with DLA Piper and will continue to drive our Manchester business forwards.”
 
DLA Piper is currently on the look-out for new premises in Manchester, and says it remains totally committed to the North West market.

Mr Gray said: “We have seen some partner departures in recent months, but we have a strong and profitable business here and we will remain.

“While some departures are of course disappointing, such churn unlocks opportunities for others, who can see there is room at the top for them.” 

Four senior real estate partners left for Irwin Mitchell, while Stuart Campbell and Graeme Orchison have recently joined TLT. 

Mark O’Conor, UK managing partner added: “The North West is a critical and successful part of DLA Piper’s business and we’re delighted to be introducing two talented and ambitious lawyers to our management team.”