Alex Guy, one of the UK's leading public private partnership lawyers, is to join the Australian firm as a partner from 1 January 2010.

Just last week, DLA Phillips Fox confirmed it had selected DLA Piper's managing partner in Dubai, Tony Holland, to replace Tony Crawford as its new chief executive.

The double DLA Piper appointment raises obvious questions around two firms' relationship. The firm says the appointments do not represent a takeover or merger, but are a symbol of the close alliance between the two firms. 

Guy is currently a parter at DLA Piper's UK office. He will be based in the Australian firm's Brisbane office, but but his role will include projects across Australia, New Zealand and the rest of the Asia-Pacific region, working closely with DLA Piper Asia.

Guy has become a regular visitor to Australia and New Zealand as a guest of DLA Phillips Fox over the last year, meeting with the project teams for a number of major infrastructure projects. 

'I am very excited about the high-quality work opportunities presented by the large number of major infrastructure projects that are on the drawing board in the region,' Guy said.   

Guy has been leading a combined DLA Piper/DLA Phillips Fox international team, advising the New Zealand Treasury's National Infrastructure Unit on potential PPP models for use in New Zealand, drawing on best practice from PPP markets around the world. 

"I have really enjoyed working with the DLA Phillips Fox infrastructure team this past year and I expect the transition will be a smooth one. I am very excited about the move and am looking forward to working on a number of upcoming projects at DLA Phillips Fox," he said.  

DLA Phillips Fox CEO Tony Crawford said: "At DLA Phillips Fox we have been focused on growing our service offering in the infrastructure space for some time now and [Guy's] appointment significantly boosts our team's capabilities.

"He has already met with a number of clients and potential clients who have been impressed by his personable and confident nature, and coupled with his obvious legal and commercial expertise, he is certain to be a real asset to the firm."

Guy has built a reputation as a leading international lawyer on large scale PPP and other infrastructure projects. He has particular expertise advising on the development of rail projects and has advised on PPPs for London Underground, the Nottingham Express Transit System, the Luas Light Rail in Dublin, and the Docklands Light Rail system in London.