DLA Piper announces promotion of three new counsels and three new senior associates in Luxembourg

Global law firm DLA Piper has announced the promotion of six individuals in its Luxembourg office. The promotions include Emre Akan, Bahya Bouharati, and Yann Zellet to Counsel, and Clément Bourdon, Céline Curatola, and Cyril Poels to senior associate, effective today.

Emre Akan has been promoted to Counsel within the Tax practice, leveraging on his extensive knowledge and experience in advising local and international clients on tax aspects of investments and transactions. Emre has been seconded for several months to DLA Piper's New York office, strengthening his focus on helping U.S. and EU asset managers and investors navigate complex cross-border fund structuring challenges. Bahya Bouharati, Ph.D., also promoted to Counsel within the Investment Management and Funds team, provides guidance to investors and fund managers, possessing a deep understanding of the legal and regulatory aspects of the investment funds world. Yann Zellet, now Counsel in the Finance practice, focuses on complex cross-border finance transactions with a strong emphasis on fund finance. Moreover, Yann and Bahya have been instrumental in the firm's pro bono committee and projects over years, among which “Know Your Rights”, helping refugees and asylum seekers in understanding their legal rights in Luxembourg.

Promoted to senior associates are Clément Bourdon, part of the Corporate practice with a particular focus on private equity, M&A, and corporate governance matters; Céline Curatola, who advises on the legal and regulatory aspects applicable to fund managers and the funds they manage; and Cyril Poels, who assists corporate and private equity clients on tax law matters, tax structuring of investment funds, corporate reorganizations, and capital markets transactions.

Xavier Guzman, Country Managing Partner of DLA Piper in Luxembourg, along with the Luxembourg partnership, conveyed his congratulations to the team members on their promotions, stating, "Each of these team members significantly contributes to the growth and reputation of our Luxembourg office and practice groups. Their dedication helps us reach the highest standards of excellence in client representation, talent development, and community service. We are proud of their achievements. At DLA Piper, nurturing our people and realizing our potential together is not only a management priority but also a core part of our global strategy to deliver the best service to our clients and continue developing the marketplace.”