DLA Piper appoints new London-based senior partner

Jon Hayes takes the helm effective 1 May

DLA Piper appoints new London-based senior partner

DLA Piper has appointed London-based corporate lawyer Jon Hayes to the role of senior partner.

Effective 1 May, Hayes will replace Andrew Darwin, who has held the role since 2018.

“I am immensely proud of what we have achieved over the last four years, and I am confident in Jon's abilities to move into the role in May,” Darwin said. “Jon has the gravitas, experience and international reputation to help further build our business for the benefit of all and be an exceptional advocate for the firm in all it does.”

Meanwhile, Hayes said that he looks forward to continuing Darwin’s outstanding work in strengthening DLA Piper’s values across its business and promoting good governance.

“I intend to focus on ensuring that our business remains robust and at the leading edge of innovation so that we continue to provide exceptional service to our clients, and that DLA Piper is a place where all of our people can thrive and excel,” Hayes added.

Hayes joined DLA Piper from Linklaters in 2009. A renowned commercial lawyer, he has extensive expertise in public and private mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic partnerships, complex group reorganisations, equity capital markets and corporate finance transactions.

Aside from being a partner, he currently serves as the lead sponsor of the firm's LGBT+ network, Iris. He is also a member of the firm's Diversity and Inclusion Council, as well as the advisory board of the firm’s pro bono affiliate, New Perimeter.

He once sat on DLA Piper’s International Board.