DLA Piper LLP (US) announced that Frank Ryan has been elected chair of the firm for a term of four years, effective January 1, 2021.
He will succeed Roger Meltzer and Cameron “Jay” Rains, who are currently serving in their second four-year terms as US co-chairs, which will expire December 31, 2020. Meltzer and Rains will also continue to serve as global co-chair and global co-CEO, respectively, through December 31, 2022.
“The orderly transition of leadership at DLA Piper has been an integral part of the firm’s strategy since it was founded in 2005, and it is a process that we have approached collaboratively and with great care and deliberation,” said Senator George Mitchell, chairman emeritus of DLA Piper LLP (US), who led the firm’s succession process.
“I look forward to working with Frank as we begin the transition process and continue our evolution as a global legal enterprise,” said Meltzer. “His stature within the firm as a leader, practitioner and business advisor of the highest caliber will serve him well in this new role and when addressing the myriad opportunities and challenges that come with it.”
“Frank represents the next generation of leadership at DLA Piper in the US, truly someone who has grown and prospered at the firm as an unambiguously global practitioner,” said Rains. “Roger and I are committed to collaborating with him to execute on our strategy and elevate our global proposition in the months and years to come.”
“I am honored to be chosen by my fellow partners, and deeply appreciate the trust they have placed in me to lead the firm in the coming years,” said Ryan. “DLA Piper has provided me a tremendous opportunity to build a successful practice, serving clients around the world, and it will be an honor to serve as the chair of this firm in the future.”
Ryan, who joined DLA Piper LLP (US) as a partner in 2010, is currently global and US co-chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property and Technology practice and deputy chair of the Media, Sport and Entertainment sector. He is also a member of the firm’s US Executive Committee and Global Board.
