DLA Piper New Zealand Appoints COO

DLA Piper New Zealand Appoints COO

Joanna Simon has been appointed Chief Operating Officer of DLA Piper New Zealand. In this role as overall executive manager Joanna works with the Board to lead the future direction of the firm.

Joanna has an extensive background in professional services marketing and management in New Zealand and the UK. Initially having worked in marketing for UK accounting firms, she joined PwC in New Zealand in a senior role.

She joined DLA in 2010 as National Marketing Manager to create a marketing function. She skilfully guided the firm through a major rebranding project to adopt the global brand. DLA Piper is the first global law firm operating in New Zealand.

'We are leading the New Zealand legal services market in recognising and responding to the changing needs of client organisations as they become increasingly global or influenced by global trends. In the 2015 Acritas Global Elite Law Firm Brand Index, DLA Piper was ranked the second most recognised legal brand globally.'

'Beyond our New Zealand team, DLA Piper gives clients access to a team of global experts in their sector and legal support wherever their business operates. We advise international clients doing business in New Zealand and those New Zealand organisations doing business elsewhere, offering seamless service in all major regions and key markets. In every major sector and specialist practice, we provide innovative, commercially astute advice, says Joanna.

'As a local firm, we support clients in government, public organisations and business which are focused on New Zealand, providing in-depth local knowledge, networks and best advice for the New Zealand context

'We attract the best talent who want to work for a firm with a clear competitive point of difference, that is client and people focused, and with access to international expertise and opportunities to develop their skills. For example, this year our new partners were inducted at a global partner induction conference, in Madrid, alongside 80 other new partners from around the world. Last year we sent a couple of junior solicitors to a DLA Piper training academy in Melbourne.'

'It's an exciting time to be in this role and to be working in a sector which is facing a rapidly changing environment where an innovative approach will differentiate the survivors,' says Joanna.

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