DLA appoints new international senior partner

DLA Piper International has appointed a new senior partner, with litigation partner Janet Legrand set to replace Peter Wayte in the role.

Legrand, who joined DLA Piper in 1991 as a partner, will take up the new post on 1 July, with Wayte set to retire after 37 years with the firm.

Her three-year tenure as senior partner will see Legrand chairing the law firm’s international board and overseeing the firm’s partnership.

In addition to her management role, Legrand, who has been an  pelected member of the international board since 1998, will continue to play a fee earning role with clients.

She told Legal Week that her priorities include improving communication within the firm’s partnership and supporting clients throughout the recession.

Legrand said: “We recognise that we can always improve, and the challenges are around improving the cohesion of the partnership. It is challenging to trade through this difficult economy and it is time to take on that challenge. This is a time for opportunity.”

Wayte was appointed senior partner for Europe and Asia in April 2005 and has played a key strategic role with the firm for many years, helping oversee the merger between legacy firms DLA and Piper Rudnick.

Commenting on his departure, joint chief executive Nigel Knowles said: “It has been a huge privilege to work alongside him and, on behalf of everyone across the firm, I wish Peter a very long and happy retirement.”

An election will be held to fill the vacant place on the firm’s international board in July.

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