DLA Piper takes another KWM partner

The appointment expands the firm's transactional capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region

DLA Piper takes another KWM partner

DLA Piper has recruited a new partner to bolster its transactional capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region.

Stefan Luke has moved to DLA Piper in Brisbane from King & Wood Mallesons (KWM), where he was also a partner. His appointment follows that of Natalie Caton, who also moved to DLA Piper from KWM at the start of the year.

“His appointment expands our transactional capabilities in the region, particularly in the energy, resources and infrastructure sectors,” said Jim Holding, DLA Piper joint managing partner in Australia.

“Stefan's experience advising clients on complex transactional matters, specifically public M&A, equity raisings and major projects, represents a valued addition to our busy corporate practice,” said Grant Koch, DLA Piper’s Australian head of corporate.

Luke has extensive experience in both public and private M&A, private equity transactions, and major projects. He is also a specialist in IPOs, secondary raisings, and listing rules, as well as general corporate, governance, and securities law matters. He advises clients across a broad range of sectors, including energy, resources and projects, major infrastructure, food and agribusiness, entertainment and industrials.

The new partner has acted on complex transactional arrangements, including energy-, resources-, and infrastructure-related joint ventures, DLA Piper said. He has also advised on major commercial contractual arrangements, including rail haulage contracting and related rail operational matters.

In April, DLA Piper appointed Australian lawyer Alyson Eather and Eddie Ahn as partners.

“We continue to invest in and support the development of our people across a broad range of strategic practices, sectors and geographies. These additions to our partnership enable us to best respond to client demand in the region and further expand our global offering to our multinational clients,” said Melinda Upton, DLA Piper joint managing partner in Australia.