Private equity star Rosen set to join DLA Piper

Former Weil Gotshal & Manges private equity star Will Rosen is set to join DLA Piper in January.

As first revealed by The Lawyer (3 September) Rosen, who left Weil in July, has been in talks with a number of firms since August. DLA Piper partners received voting papers on Rosen's appointment yesterday (6 December) but, according to the firm's joint chief executive Nigel Knowles, the vote is just a formality.

He added: "We have built up a substantial reputation in the field of private equity and Will Rosen is very active in all aspects of corporate finance, M&A and private equity and will make a great contribution to the team. His joining is perfect timing for our guys to continue their ascension into 2008."

Rosen joined US firm Weil on its London launch in 1996, building a strong reputation in the private equity arena through advising clients such as the Blackstone Group. Despite Rosen's impressive client list, Knowles said he will not be expected to bring any clients across when he joins DLA Piper.

"The hire of Will Rosen is not predicated on him bringing clients with him," he said.

Last month DLA Piper lost private equity head Darryl Cooke to Manchester firm Hill Dickinson (www.thelawyer.com, 6 November). His position has been filled by a trio of partners: Andrew Harris in London, Jim Lavery in Birmingham and Neal Shepherd in Manchester.