Gerry Williams named Co-US Managing Partner of DLA Piper

DLA Piper is pleased to announce that Gerry Williams has been named Co-US Managing Partner of the firm, effective January 1, 2025. Williams will join current Co-US Managing Partner Jackie Park in the day-to-day management of the firm in the US and will succeed Richard Chesley, who now serves as Global Managing Partner.

“As the legal industry continues to evolve, Gerry Williams is well-positioned to help guide our firm,” said Frank Ryan, DLA Piper’s Global Co-Chair. “He is an innovative, collaborative leader committed to serving our clients, developing our people, and giving back to our communities. We are also thankful to Rick for the invaluable contributions he made in this role over the past four years.”

Williams represents private equity funds, Fortune 1000 corporations, and Special Purpose Acquisition Corporations (SPACs) in domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, and securities, finance, and corporate governance matters. He has counseled his clients in connection with transactions involving aggregate consideration exceeding US$20 billion.

He is a member of the Global Board, the US Management, Executive, and Policy Committees, Vice Chair of the Private Equity Group Southeast, and former Managing Partner of the Atlanta office.

“I have collaborated with Gerry on several committees and initiatives over the years, know him as an outstanding lawyer and leader, and look forward to working with him in this role,” said Jackie Park, Co-US Managing Partner.

Chesley stepped into the newly created role of Global Managing Partner earlier this year and will continue to oversee the US firm’s relationships throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, as well as the development of cross-border business initiatives.