Partners at DLA Piper have voted overwhelmingly to dissolve the firm’s Swiss verein and replace it with a single global limited liability partnership (LLP). The decision was taken by partners representing offices in Europe, the Americas and Asia, reflecting a coordinated effort across the firm’s worldwide network.
The vote took place over a two-week period, during which partners cast their ballots electronically and by proxy. The firm said the change will not disrupt client service, emphasizing that ongoing matters will continue uninterrupted. The new arrangement is slated to become effective on May 1, 2026, giving the organization time to transition administrative functions and regulatory filings.
Under the plan, a global LLP will be created above the existing U.S. and international LLPs, which will continue to operate under their current names and retain their local client relationships. The restructuring is intended to align its worldwide operations under one leadership umbrella, streamlining decision-making while preserving the strengths of each regional unit.
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Leadership of the combined entity will be headed by Frank Ryan, who will serve as global chair and co-CEO, and Charles Severs, who will act as the other global co-CEO. Vice chairs will include John Gilluly and Loren Brown, providing oversight of key practice areas and geographic regions. Sandra Wallace and Rick Chesley will become global co-managing partners, tasked with day-to-day management of the partnership’s global strategy.
Ryan said the alignment “strengthens our ability to invest in the lawyers, teams, and technologies that will reshape competition in major legal markets.” Severs added that the milestone “marks the next step in two decades of successful collaboration” and reflects confidence that it can capture market share with a unified focus.
In the Middle East, the firm already operates as an LLP, allowing it to serve regional clients under the same partnership model. DLA Piper reported global revenue of $4.6 billion for 2025, showing the scale of the organization as it moves toward a single worldwide partnership.