DLA expands after German alliance split

DLA has stepped up its international expansion plans after breaking away from German ally Gorg Rechtsanwalte to set up its own presence in the region.

The UK firm is taking on Gorg’s former managing partner Dr Ulrich Jungst who will work out of DLA’s new Cologne office under the title regional managing partner. Jungst was voted into DLA’s partnership earlier this month.

The two firms, which linked up in March 2001, will continue to work together until the Cologne office opens in September. At this point, Gorg will withdraw from DLA.

DLA’s managing partner Nigel Knowles said, “It has become clear over time that both firms have different ambitions for the future.”

“While it has always been part of DLA’s vision to achieve a fully integrated presence in Germany, Gorg wishes to maintain its status as an independent national firm,” he added.

The move comes as merger talks between DLA and Chicago’s Piper Rudnick intensify.

Earlier this month, it emerged that DLA will sever links with its French best friend Ginestie Paley-Vincent et Associes, at the same time Piper Rudnick took on Hogan & Hartson’s one time French ally Cariddi Mee Rue.

It is understood that the fiercely independent French firm was opposed to full integration with DLA.