Kate Driver rejoins DLA Piper to boost Auckland funds practice
DLA Piper has appointed Kate Driver as a senior associate in its Investment Management & Funds team in New Zealand. The move is part of the firm's efforts to strengthen its presence in the local funds market, with Driver set to be based in its Auckland office.
International expertise
Driver returns to DLA Piper after having previously worked in its Wellington office. She most recently joined from Bell Gully and has several years of international experience, having held positions at Ashurst and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett in London. During her time abroad, she advised private equity and investment fund sponsors on fund establishment, governance, and corporate transactions.
Practise focus
DLA Piper's Investment Management & Funds team advises New Zealand's investment funds, trustees, and institutional investors on mandates that often span multiple jurisdictions. Driver's experience in cross-border legal work is expected to add further depth to the firm's capabilities in the sector.
The firm's New Zealand Corporate practice group head Rachel Taylor said Driver's appointment was part of a broader effort to expand the firm's offering in this area.
"Kate's return to DLA Piper reflects our commitment to continuing to grow our investment funds capability. Her cross-jurisdictional experience enhances our ability to support clients with complex fund structuring and governance needs, while remaining focused on practical local outcomes," said Rachel Taylor, Head of Corporate Practise Group, DLA Piper.
Market developments
The funds and investment management sector in New Zealand has seen increased demand for expertise in structuring, compliance, and multi-jurisdictional governance. Firms operating in this space are focusing on both international best practice and local regulatory compliance.
Tom Barnes, partner in the Investment Management & Funds team, highlighted Driver's background in advising global fund sponsors and investors, noting how her experience in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, and financial services mergers and acquisitions would support DLA Piper's clients in a rapidly changing environment.
"Kate has advised some of the world's largest fund sponsors and investors across private equity, infrastructure and real estate. Coupled with her experience in financial services M&A, her return bolsters our national capability in a dynamic and evolving market," said Barnes.
Recent hires
Driver's addition to the Auckland office follows the return of Jennifer Smith to the Investment Management & Funds team last year, reflecting a continued focus on investment in specialist legal talent to serve the financial services industry.
