Global law firm DLA Piper is pleased to announce the promotion of employment lawyer, Carl Blake to partner. Carl joined DLA Piper in 2021 as special counsel in its growing employment team.

Carl brings with him a depth of experience with over 20 years in private practice. He specialises in all aspects of employment law, health and safety, and privacy, and provides strategic advice for corporate organisations, in both New Zealand and internationally, on a variety of employment issues.

Carl says “I enjoy the challenge of employment law issues, particularly those involving the sale and purchase of businesses and cross-border transactions. Working in the dispute resolution space also means appearances at mediations and hearings before the Employment Relations Authority. What I relish is the variety and complexity of this type of law, particularly with the global reach that DLA Piper has. It’s a dynamic area and always shifting according to the temper of the times.”

Carl speaks regularly on employment law issues and has chaired national employment law conferences.

“There’s a lot happening in the employment law space currently, with businesses adapting to hybrid working models and fair pay agreements on the way. I really enjoy engaging with business leaders as they tackle these emerging opportunities and challenges”, says Carl.

Laura Scampion, head of employment and managing partner of DLA Piper in New Zealand, says, “We are delighted to welcome Carl to the partnership. His extensive experience, commitment to client service and technical ability add considerable depth and bench strength to both our employment law practice and the firm as a whole.”