Michael Richards is the New Managing Partner of DLA Piper (Canada) LLP's Toronto Office

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Feb. 1, 2016) - Rob Seidel, Q.C., Canada Managing Partner of DLA Piper (Canada) LLP, is pleased to announce that Michael Richards has been appointed Managing Partner of the Toronto office effective February 1, 2016.

Michael has spent his career at the firm and is recognized as a leading litigation lawyer specializing in employment and labour law. He joined the Vancouver office in 1998. After summering and articling at the firm, he joined the Toronto office in 2001 as an associate, becoming one of the firm's first lawyers to transfer between offices. Michael was amongst the first lawyers to join the Toronto office and will play a key role in the continued growth of DLA Piper's Toronto office.

Michael is a leader both inside and outside the firm. For several years, he has served as Chair of the Student Committee in Toronto, and Co-Chaired the firm's National Employment and Labour Law Conference in Toronto. Outside the legal field, Michael served as Chair of the Danny Grossman Dance Company.

"It is an honour to be appointed as Toronto's Office Managing Partner," says Michael. "I have been fortunate to be a part of our Toronto office from its early days. I plan on continuing our tradition of strategic growth and excellent service with the talented people whose work and commitment make our firm an exciting place to be."

Robert Seidel, Q.C., says Michael is a natural successor to Sam Schwartz, who has made a vast contribution to the firm and the Toronto office since 2008, when he was appointed Toronto's Office Managing Partner.

"Sam has been an outstanding leader within the firm and the community at large and we would like to thank him immensely for his work as Toronto's Managing Partner. We look forward to his continued contribution as a partner in the firm," says Rob.

Rob further commented, "Michael is an accomplished lawyer who has shown his commitment to the firm from the outset. With his creativity, vision and ability to facilitate communication and collaboration, he is well-equipped to guide the Toronto office into its next phase."

About DLA Piper (Canada) LLP

DLA Piper (Canada) LLP provides unparalleled value to our clients by combining the deep resources of a global firm with the highest level of personal service in the business. DLA Piper is one of the world's leading law firms with more than 4,200 lawyers located in more than 30 countries throughout the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East.

DLA Piper is a global law firm operating through various separate and distinct legal entities.

For further information please refer to www.dlapiper.com.