DLA Piper’s New Chair Wants His Giant Firm to Get Even Bigger

Stepping into his role as global co-chair of 4,500-lawyer DLA Piper, Frank Ryan says the best path forward is to get even bigger.

The law firm wants to compete, Ryan said, for high-end, global projects while also providing “full-service” to clients, a strategy many of the country’s most profitable firms have shied away from to focus on the highest-rate practices. Growing revenue by taking market share is how Ryan said he will measure the firm’s success.

“The real opportunity for us is to drive that top revenue line, and to really build business,” Ryan said, adding, “We want to fight ...