Tony Holland will take the reins of DLA Phillips Fox from departing CEO Tony Crawford in February 2010. As the global firm’s current regional head of finance for the Middle East and managing partner for the Dubai office, Holland brings with him a major asset – his recent experience as a partner of Mallesons, according to DLA Phillips Fox Auckland partner Martin Wiseman.
“He brings to the role leading law firm expertise, strong client and market experience, a close relationship with our alliance firm DLA Piper and respected leadership and management skills to lead our firm in its next stage of growth and evolution,” he said. Wiseman also alluded to DLA Piper’s strategy of growing its Asia-Pacific presence. “We believe he is the right person to lead the firm as we seek to leverage the opportunities that exist for us, in particular in the Asia-Pacific region.”
The appointment could also help smooth the transition to a full financial merger between DLA Phillips Fox and DLA Piper although no timeline has been set for such a move. During Crawford’s reign, Phillips Fox took on the DLA name and the two firms created a strategic alliance.
“I know DLA Phillips Fox well, and see them as a strong player with great potential in the Asia-Pacific region,” he said. “Tony Crawford is leaving the firm in great shape, to take advantage of the many opportunities as economic conditions improve in Australia and the surrounding region. I am looking forward to working with the leadership group and the partners of the firm in the next stage of its development and growth.”
On the subject of whether further or full integration of DLA Phillips Fox with DLA Piper is likely in the near future, a spokesperson for the former said that nothing will happen "any time soon" but that the two were constantly "looking at ways in which we can work together more" given how important the current exclusive referral relationship is to their respective Asia-Pacific strategies.
Prior to joining DLA Piper, Holland was a finance partner at Mallesons in Melbourne and worked in both its London and Melbourne offices. He served as head of Mallesons' banking & finance and project finance teams and was a member of Mallesons' board for five years
DLA Phillips Fox in Australasia
|
Total lawyers & partners |
Lawyers |
Partners |
Number of offices |
Revenue 08/09 |
|
735 |
576 |
159 |
8 |
A$218m |
|
Office locations (number of partners) |
|
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