Global law firm DLA Piper has announced the appointment of Shane Bilardi as its new country managing partner for Australia, effective March 1, 2025.
Bilardi (pictured right) will succeed Amber Matthews (pictured left), who has led the firm’s Australian operations since 2019.
Bilardi currently heads DLA Piper’s corporate practice group and is a member of its Australian leadership team.
He joined the firm in 2019 and has been instrumental in advancing its corporate services.
Bilardi said he is looking forward to seeing opportunities for the law firm.
“I’m excited about the future opportunities for the firm – we have a strong trajectory through focusing on our core practice areas and sectors, and we will continue to build on these achievements in coming years,” he said.
Matthews will remain in her role until the end of February 2025, concluding a tenure marked by steady revenue growth and the expansion of the firm’s reputation in areas such as cross-border mergers and acquisitions, dispute resolution, and key sectors including technology, renewable energy, and infrastructure.
She also prioritised strengthening global client relationships and advancing initiatives in diversity and inclusion.
Reflecting on her time as country managing partner, Matthews 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.”
She added that she believed it was the right time to pass leadership to Bilardi, expressing confidence in his ability to guide the firm through its next phase of development.
“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,” Matthews said.
Jean-Pierre Douglas-Henry, DLA Piper’s managing director for Asia Pacific, acknowledged Matthews’s contributions over her two decades with the firm, describing her leadership as pivotal during a transformative period for the Australian office.
“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,” he said.
He said that Bilardi’s appointment signals a continued emphasis on strategic growth both locally and internationally.
“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,” Douglas-Henry said.
