Phillips Fox Joins Global Alliance

14 June 2006

Phillips Fox Joins Global Alliance With DLA Piper Group

Leading New Zealand and Australian law firm Phillips Fox has taken a major step forward in response to the growing opportunities created by the increasing globalisation of business.

The firm today announced its decision to enter into an exclusive alliance with DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary, one of the largest legal service organisations in the world, and become a member of DLA Piper Group under the name DLA Phillips Fox.

It will be the first exclusive alliance of an established law firm in New Zealand and Australia with a global law firm.

Phillips Fox Chairman John Strahl, who is based in Wellington, said, 'The creation of DLA Phillips Fox is our recognition of the rapid integration of New Zealand and Australian business into the world economy and it fits the long-term strategic intent of both firms.'

'Phillips Fox will be ideally positioned to meet our clients' needs locally, regionally, nationally and globally.'

Members of DLA Piper Group share a common vision to provide comprehensive and coordinated legal services to clients worldwide. DLA Piper is the founding and largest member of the alliance with more than 3,100 lawyers in 59 offices in 22 countries.

DLA Piper Joint CEO Nigel Knowles said, 'Our alliance with Phillips Fox is based on a desire to provide a consistent and coordinated range of services which meet clients' international needs. It is also built on a relationship that has developed over the past five years, one that has advanced as a result of our common values, cultures and aspirations. We also share another common goal - to be market leaders in our approach to client relationship management.'

Mr Strahl said, 'The firms have already worked well together for existing clients on some significant global transactions and are looking to future opportunities. We're really excited about working with DLA Piper to achieve its vision of being the leading global business law firm.'

'Our clients will continue to enjoy best local service and best value based on close working relationships and, in addition, have access to a considerable pool of experience, talent and knowledge on a global basis.'

'The alliance will help us recruit and retain the best people by creating a stronger organisation with more opportunities for us all. DLA Phillips Fox will offer employees the chance to work in a firm with quality clients, talented lawyers and stimulating work worldwide.'

'We will retain what's special about the Phillips Fox culture and our people. DLA Piper's goal is to meld, maintain and enhance the positive aspects of local firm cultures and to celebrate the inherent diversity.'

The new DLA Phillips Fox brand will be unveiled later this year.

ENDS

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