First partner appointment since merger

The first global business law firm operating in New Zealand has appointed a new partner.

The first global business law firm operating in New Zealand has appointed a new partner.

Health and safety expert Laura Scampion is DLA Piper New Zealand’s first partner appointment since the merger between Phillips Fox and DLA Piper, which was announced earlier this week.

DLA Piper New Zealand released details of her appointment this morning.

Scampion previously worked in the London headquarters of PwC advising international clients on employment.

“With Laura’s international knowledge and experience, it’s fitting that she is the first partner to be appointed since we became DLA Piper New Zealand, a firm capable of delivering access to global best practice and expertise across borders, sectors and specialities worldwide,” DLA Piper New Zealand chairman Martin Wiseman said.

Laura has a wide range of experience, from advising international corporates on employment-related issues around sales and acquisitions - such as Pfizer’s animal health business that was spun off into a stand-alone animal health business, now known as Zoetis - through to working with central government departments in the UK on strategic restructuring programmes.

Scampion said working for a global firm in New Zealand allows her to combine her local and international expertise with the ability to provide clients with seamless access to DLA Piper support worldwide.

“The most pressing issues right now for clients operating in New Zealand and those with global remits are the upcoming health and safety law and dealing with the increasing challenges with regard to the international mobility of employees.

“Having access to trusted advisors globally through DLA Piper is a critical part of delivering a much more integrated, efficient and effective outcome for all concerned.”

Laura is also a presenter and media commentator who regularly presents to clients on topics such as performance management, training and restructuring, as well as contributing to a range of business and employment law-related publications.