DLA Piper has signalled an intention to build its corporate practice in earnest with a pair of high profile hires from Gilbert + Tobin and Ashurst.

The new hires are Bryan Pointon, previously at G+T and David Ryan, previously at Ashurst.  The pair will be based in Sydney. Pointon, a well known private equity specialist, will also be heading up the Asia Pacific corporate team.

“These appointments signal our commitment to develop our corporate practice in Australia and across the Asia Pacific,” said  Andrew Darwin, DLA Piper's Australia managing partner. “We believe that [Pointon and Ryan] are the kind of individuals who are well-aligned with our objective and will bring new relationships and capabilities which will enhance our practice and the service to our clients, both domestic and international."

Thursday's newsletter will feature an in-depth discussion with Bryan Pointon on his plans for the DLA coroporate practice in the Asia Pacific.