DLA Piper expands IPT division in South Africa

Telecommunications, media and technology lawyer Livia Dyer has joined DLA Piper’s intellectual property and technology (IPT) group, as its first South Africa-based partner.

Dyer has more than 17 years’ experience in South Africa’s most highly regulated sectors, with a focus on telecommunications, media and technology where she provides regulatory and transactional advice. Her practice also has a strong focus advising clients on broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) matters.

“Livia brings outstanding regulatory experience at a time where we are seeing increased M&A, commercial and litigation activity in the telecoms and technology sectors, as well as a continued focus on compliance with BBBEE codes,” said Johannes Gouws, Country Managing Partner in South Africa. “Her skills complement our existing capabilities, with the continued growth and expansion of our office a reflection of our commitment to providing clients with a fully integrated service offering.”

Paul Allen, Global Co-Chair of Intellectual Property and Technology, says that South Africa, and Africa more broadly, is an important market for DLA Piper’s clients. “Livia’s skill set enhances our ability to provide clients with a fully integrated regulatory offering. Her appointment follows similar senior appointments we have made in the UK and Hong Kong to address the growing interface we are seeing between technology and regulation in sectors such as telecommunications and financial services,” he commented.

“I am delighted to be joining a firm which has such deep relationships with clients across the technology and telecoms sectors – not just in South Africa but across Africa and globally,” said Dyer. “DLA Piper’s impressive international offering means we are well placed to advise and support clients in navigating their way through an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.”

Dyer joins DLA Piper from African firm Bowmans where she was a partner for 11 years. Her colleague Humayra Hajat, who was at Bowmans for four years, also joined DLA Piper in September. Hajat specialises in technology law advice, deal work and transactions.

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