Plans for the full integration are now underway, after partners voted for the change from within both firms yesterday.

DLA Phillips Fox in Australia will become DLA Piper Australia from 1 May this year.

DLA Piper will have a footprint across 30 countries and 75 offices, accommodating more than 4,100 lawyers.

The move toward integration has been a positive and proactive response to the changing legal market and the globalisation of business, the firms said in a joint statement today. It is also a reflection of the increased importance of the Asia-Pacific region.

DLA Piper's Asia Pacific managing director Alastair Da Costa said: "This is a significant step in our strategy and brings us closer as a firm to achieving our vision.

"The prospect of working with so many talented people in Australia is exciting for us and I am confident that our clients will benefit significantly from our integration with DLA Phillips Fox.

"The Asia Pacific economy is unquestionably where the majority of global growth will be seen in the coming years and we are excited about how we can leverage such growth for our clients' benefit."

DLA Phillips Fox CEO Tony Holland said: "Our relationship with DLA Piper goes back many years. It is exciting to know that in a matter of weeks we will be part of a pre-eminent global business law firm providing Australian clients with a high quality, full service global offering.

"Our clients can see that our integration with DLA Piper will give them access to seamless multi-jurisdictional legal capabilities and the local expertise that a long-established Australian law firm can offer.

"Importantly, our staff are looking forward to increased opportunities to work on international matters and exploring global career opportunities."

Phillips Fox entered into an exclusive alliance with DLA Piper in November 2006. The move was a response to the rapid integration of Australian and New Zealand business into the world economy.