New managing partner for DLA Piper in Sheffield

In a statement, DLA Piper said today: “Following four very successful years in post, Richard May is to step down as office managing partner at DLA Piper’s Sheffield office. Petra Billing, partner and current head of property litigation in Sheffield and Birmingham has been named as his successor.

“Richard relinquishes his role to concentrate on his position of DLA Piper’s global head of manufacturing and as a partner in the firm’s corporate practice where he continues to lead the Sheffield corporate team.

Sandra Wallace, DLA Piper’s UK Managing Partner, said: “I would like to thank Richard, both personally and on behalf of the firm, for his insight, dedication and commitment to the Sheffield office and his continuing commitment to the firm. Petra Billing will take on the leadership of the office from Richard. She is a leading commercial property litigator with a national reputation and the UK and EMEA Head of DLA Piper’s Global Mining sector.

“Petra is extremely well connected locally and nationally and has played an integral part in the development of the office in recent years. Consistently ranked as a leading legal practice in the region, our Sheffield office and its people are known for their exceptional quality. The breadth and depth of commercial services and the experience gained on market-leading deals ensures the office will continue to go from strength to strength. Petra is and will be a great ambassador for the firm.”

Ms Billing added: “Richard has made a substantial contribution to the Sheffield office of our firm and has been consistently passionate about its people, its involvement in the community and the work it undertakes across the region and beyond, just as I am . Richard is a very tough act to follow and I feel very privileged to be asked to take on this role. I will focus on the continued success and growth of the DLA Piper business in the Sheffield office, given the opportunities presenting themselves across the region, nationally and internationally.