In a March 7, 2008 press release at dlapiper.com titled “DLA Piper Awarded Belgian Law Firm of the Year 2008”, a jury composed of 100 legal practitioners named DLA Piper as the Belgian Law Firm of the Year in ceremonies held last March 6, 2008 at Brussels’ Plaza Theatre.

A press release that came out in dlapiper.com Hong Kong, titled “DLA Piper Wins ‘Asia Pacific Real Estate Law Firm of the Year’ Award,” reported that DLA Piper’s real estate expertise was recognized when the law firm was hailed as the “Asia Pacific Real Estate Law Firm of the Year” in ceremonies held during the Asia Pacific Real Estate Awards and Asia Trends 2008 conference last April 10, 2008 at Shanghai’s The Westin Bund Centre.

Lawfuel.com revealed in a press release titled “DLA Piper Expands Italian Tax Team – Law Firm Announcements” that Maricla Pennesi, previously a partner at Deloitte, has been appointed as partner for DLA Piper’s Italian Tax practice. Pennesi is the perfect person for the job according to DLA Piper Italy’s Regional Managing Partner, Federico Sutti, because she has more than 19 years of experience in domestic and international law.

GlobeSt.com reported in an article titled “DLA Piper’s Relocation Sets Up 12-Year Lease” that the law firm has signed a 12-year lease agreement with Thomas Properties Group Inc. The article cited the 33-storey Frost Bank Tower’s location (downtown, near the Texas State Capitol) as the main reason for the transfer.

In an article for The Lawyer.com titled “DLA Piper Launches in Romania with ex-Links Man,” Ben Moshinsky revealed that the law firm is set to open an office in Romania before the end of 2008. Marian Dinu, formerly connected with the Bucharest office of Linklaters, has been tasked to lead the office.