DLA Piper, Meents is the new country managing partner for Germany

DLA Piper has announced the appointment of Dr Jan Geert Meents (PICTURED) as Country Managing Partner (CMP) for Germany, effective 1 May 2026. He succeeds the current Co-Country Managing Partners, Dr Kai Bodenstedt and Dr Martin Haller, who have held the role since 2022.

Dr Meents joined DLA Piper in 2008 and is now a partner in the firm’s Munich office. He has built a highly successful Technology and IT practice in Germany, advising multinational clients on digital transformation, data analytics, artificial intelligence, cloud computing and data protection. He is widely regarded as one of Germany’s leading technology lawyers. From 2014 to 2024, Dr Meents served on DLA Piper’s International Executive Committee, first as Managing Director, Sectors & Clients, and subsequently as Joint Managing Director UK & Europe. In addition, he is responsible for the firm’s alumni network.

During their tenure as Co-CMPs, Dr Bodenstedt and Dr Haller significantly expanded DLA Piper’s advisory offering in Germany. They led several strategic lateral partner hires, improved the performance of the German business and successfully oversaw the opening of the firm’s newest German office in Düsseldorf. Both will now take on internal roles within their respective international practice groups.

Commenting on the transition, Dr Bodenstedt and Dr Haller said: “Leading DLA Piper in Germany has been an honour. We would like to thank our colleagues in Germany and across the firm for their support during our term. With full confidence in Jan’s leadership, we are handing over responsibility to his experienced hands and look forward to devoting more time once again to our clients and our practice.”

Dr Meents added: “I would like to thank Kai and Martin sincerely for their outstanding contribution during their time in office, as well as for their support during the transition into my role as CMP. Their commitment and strategic vision have strengthened DLA Piper in Germany in a lasting way. I am very much looking forward to working closely with them and with colleagues across Germany to continue driving the firm’s success.”

Philippe Danesi, Joint Managing Director UK & Europe at DLA Piper, concluded: “We thank Kai and Martin for their dedication and exceptional contribution. They steered DLA Piper in Germany through challenging market conditions, continued to improve results and played a key role in maintaining the firm’s strong position in the German legal market. We are delighted that Jan is now taking on this role and will contribute to DLA Piper’s continued growth in Germany, while maintaining close collaboration with the international management.”