Expert M&A lawyer and pro bono leader join partnership

DLA Piper Australia has promoted Sarah Wilson (Corporate, Melbourne) and Cate Martin (Pro Bono, Sydney) to the partnership. Their roles are effective 1 May 2024.

Globally, DLA Piper has announced 63 lawyers have been promoted to its partnership, across all the firm's practice areas, spanning 37 offices in 18 countries.

“Cate and Sarah are exceptional people and lawyers. They always go the extra mile for their colleagues and clients and are valued for their expertise and commitment to their respective fields,” said Amber Matthews, Australian Managing Partner, DLA Piper.

Sarah Wilson is a highly experienced corporate mergers and acquisitions lawyer who advises on domestic and cross-border private treaty M&A, corporate advisory and capital raisings.

Sarah has experience working across a range of sectors, with particular focus on the consumer goods, food and retail and infrastructure sectors. She regularly advises clients on high-profile, strategic M&A transactions.

“I'm excited by the opportunity to leverage the firm's international platform to support our clients in fulfilling their most ambitious goals. Private capital deal making has grown to unprecedented levels in Australia and I'm looking forward to assisting our clients at every stage of the M&A lifecycle,”

Sarah said.

For the 14th consecutive year, DLA Piper has advised on more M&A transactions than any other law firm globally. Sarah's appointment demonstrates the firm's commitment to growing our Australian Corporate practice.

Cate Martin, a passionate pro bono lawyer, has led the firm's pro bono strategy across Asia Pacific for the past 9 years. Through her work, Cate empowers others and addresses justice gaps by partnering with Pacific Island governments, UN agencies, universities, NGOs and vulnerable communities to improve social and economic outcomes.

“This promotion reflects the firm's dedication to our pro bono program globally and the significance of the Asia Pacific region in our work. As one of the world's largest providers of pro bono legal services, it's a privilege to do the work I do, at a firm whose commitment to sustainability and social impact are at its heart,” said Cate.

Both Cate and Sarah have been dedicated employees of the firm, and their appointments demonstrate the firm's focus on nurturing internal talent and the opportunities that exist for promotion to the partnership.

The appointments were part of a global round of promotions. Promotions have been made across all of the firm's practice areas, spanning 43 offices in 20 countries.