As its managing partner between 1998 and 2007, Angel has been widely credited for transforming Linklaters into one of the world's largest and most profitable law firms.

Following his tenure at Linklaters, Angel served as executive managing director and head of EMEA at Standard & Poor's, where he was a member of the global operating committee and helped guide the credit rating agency through the global credit crisis.

Serving alongside global chairman Francis Burch Junior, and working closely with CEOs Sir Nigel Knowles and Lee Miller, Angel will work on the refinement and execution of DLA Piper's global strategy.

"Tony is a unique talent and an exceptional leader," said Knowles. "Very few leaders can match his first-hand experience optimising and managing resources around the globe, and we are excited to work with him as we continue to hone and execute the firm's global strategy."