DLA Piper Ditches Verein Structure to Boost Profits

The law firm aims to unify strategy across global operations.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:48pm

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DLA Piper, one of the world's largest law firms, is dissolving its verein structure, a loose network of affiliates with separate profit pools operating under the same brand. The firm plans to establish a new global holding company that will oversee two partnerships: DLA Piper US and DLA Piper International. This move is aimed at unifying the firm's strategy across its global operations and fueling further growth.

Why it matters

The verein structure has allowed DLA Piper to maintain a global presence while giving its regional affiliates significant autonomy. However, the firm believes that transitioning to a more centralized model will enable it to better coordinate its strategy and drive profitability across its worldwide operations.

The details

Under the new structure, DLA Piper will have a single leadership team that will collectively drive the firm's strategic direction. The change is expected to improve the firm's ability to allocate resources, coordinate client service, and pursue growth opportunities on a global scale.

  • DLA Piper announced the plans to dissolve its verein structure on March 12, 2026.

The players

Frank Ryan

The New York lawyer who will serve as DLA Piper's chair and global co-CEO, alongside another leader.

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What they’re saying

“We've never had a single leadership team that together drives the strategic direction of the firm.”

— Frank Ryan, Chair and Global Co-CEO, DLA Piper

What’s next

The firm is expected to complete the transition to the new global holding company structure in the coming months.

The takeaway

DLA Piper's move to abandon its verein structure reflects the growing trend among large global law firms to centralize their operations and decision-making in order to better coordinate their strategies and drive profitability across their worldwide networks.