Speculation is mounting in New Zealand that DLA Phillips Fox will break ties with its Australian namesake and the global DLA Piper group. This move, believed to have been initiated by DLA Phillips Fox in Australia, is consistent with rumours that DLA Phillips Fox is intending to slim down its Australasian operations, possibly as a precursor to an attempt to integrate with DLA Piper. ALB reported last month that DLA's Adelaide office, which was previously part of the DLA Phillips Fox partnership, had been downgraded to associate office status.

The rumour is also consistent with a second rumour that  DLA Phillips Fox NZ has been in merger talks with Minter Ellison Rudd Watts - a move which would allow the firm to maintain both a respected brand and a trans-Tasman presence. A Minters spokesperson would not confirm or deny that the talks had taken place, except to make the enigmatic comment that the firm was "always looking for new opportunities".  Meanwhile, ALB is still seeking comment from DLA Phillips Fox.

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