DLA Phillips Fox is New Zealand has separated from its Australian counterpart, which fully merged with DLA Piper this week, on 1 May. 

The DLA Phillips Fox offices in Auckland and Wellington have split off to form a New Zealand firm, which is positioning itself as an independent New Zealand law firm closely allied to DLA Piper. 

“Our service, staff and operations in Auckland and Wellington remain the same, as do our partners and Chief Executive Officer Hugh Caughley,” said New Zealand chairman Martin Wiseman in a statement. 

“For now there is no change to our name or visual identity… we remain an integral part of the DLA Piper network.”

It may not be part of the mega firm the Australian arm now is, but Wisemand said that DLA Phillips Fox is focused on growth, particularly in Asia Pacific. 

This week the firm made six new partners, including Neil Beadle (insurance and maritime law), who was promoted from special counsel. 

Veronica Cress rejoins DLA Phillips Fox in Auckland as an insurance litigation partner after working in-house for three years as litigation manager for a major New Zealand insurer. 

Peter Fuller has become partner in the Auckland resource management team. He was formerly a special counsel. 

Crossley Gates has been made a corporate insurance partner in the insurance team after working as special counsel at the firm. 

Matthew Hay has been made partner in the firm's corporate team in Wellington. He was formerly a senior associate with expertise in general corporate and commercial advice. 

Reuben Woods has been made partner in the firm's corporate and financial services team in Auckland. He specialises in M&A and disposals, workouts, insolvency and restructuring. 

The firm now has 23 partners.