DLA Piper Australia announces new Managing Partner

Global law firm DLA Piper today announces the appointment of Shane Bilardi as Country Managing Partner (CMP) for Australia, effective 1 March 2025. Shane succeeds Amber Matthews, who has successfully led the firm in Australia since 2019.

Shane, currently head of the firm's Corporate Practice Group and part of the Australian Leadership Team, brings a wealth of experience to the role. He joined DLA Piper in 2019 and is highly regarded within the firm and the wider market.

Amber, who remains CMP until end of February 2025, has significantly grown DLA Piper’s presence and reputation in the Australian market over the past five and a half years, leading the firm through challenging economic settings, a global pandemic and rapidly changing legal and competitive contexts.

Over the period of Amber's leadership DLA Piper Australia has experienced year-on-year revenue growth, improved profitability and developed significantly its market reputation in cross border M&A and litigation and in its key sectors of technology, energy and renewables and infrastructure, construction and transport. Amber has successfully led overall growth in client relationships, while building greater connectivity across the globe for the benefit of clients. She is recognised and respected for her commitment to advancing a positive culture, developing talent, and championing the firm's diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Amber Matthews, Country Managing Partner, DLA Piper Australia said: “Leading DLA Piper in Australia through this important period of growth and strategic change has been a fantastic experience. I am proud of the strong position we are in today and the influence I have had on our culture and success. I am proud of our people and the values that define us, of the clients we are privileged to advise and support, and the market-leading work we are doing across the firm to help our clients grow, innovate and succeed.”

“After nearly six years in the role, now is the right time to hand over to Shane so he can lead DLA Piper through its next phase of growth in Australia. I am excited about the future and confident that under his leadership the firm will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Shane Bilardi, Partner and Corporate Practice Group Leader, DLA Piper Australia added: “It is an honour to be chosen to lead DLA Piper's Australian firm. I am grateful to Amber for the support she has given me as I prepare to take on this role, as well as her strong leadership and dedication to develop the firm to what it is today. I’m excited about the future opportunities for the firm – we have a strong trajectory through focussing on our core practice areas and sectors and we will continue to build on these achievements in coming years.”

Jean-Pierre (JP) Douglas-Henry, DLA Piper Managing Director for Asia Pacific, concluded: “Amber has had an impressive tenure leading our Australian firm, and has made a significant contribution through various leadership roles both in London and in Sydney throughout her 20 plus year career at DLA Piper. As Amber passes the reins to Shane, we look forward to his contributions to the firm in Australia and collaboration across our global business. Shane is an outstanding candidate who will bring a long-term, ambitious and global mindset to the role, including leading the next phase of our growth strategy.”