Joe Alexander appointed advisor to the Chair at DLA Piper

Joe Alexander appointed advisor to the Chair at DLA Piper

The leadership changes are touted as plans for a merger between the law firm's US and international arms

Joe Alexander, who until now handled the transactions team as Vice Chair and is a member of the global board at DLA Piper, will now advise America's Chair Frank Ryan on the firm's financial performance, competitive position, and strategic priorities.

Miami-based Alexander joined DLA Piper in 2008 from Hunton & Williams. He has held a number of senior positions at the firm, including global and US co-Chair of the corporate and private equity practices and Southwest US Managing Partner.

Early this year, he welcomed a team of over 25 private equity lawyers in Chicago from Honigman. In his new role, Alexander is set in a strong position to help shape the firm's strategy.

His appointment represents a further beefing up of the firm's leadership team under Ryan, who took over from America's co-chairs Jay Rains and Roger Meltzer in 2021. He created a new 11-strong management team to help run the firm more efficiently. Ryan is also the global co-chair and co-CEO alongside the leaders of the firm's UK-based co-chair John Hayes and co-CEO Simon Levine.

Meanwhile, Alexander's appointment has sparked a wider reshuffle of the US leadership team with Austin-based John Gilluly replacing him as Vice Chair, transactions, a role that hands him oversight of the firm's corporate, finance, private equity, real estate and tax practices.

Ryan commented, "The incoming group of leaders is highly respected and well-regarded, both within our firm and the industries and sectors in which they practice. I look forward to the contribution they will make towards the continued growth of our firm."