Xavier joined the firm in 2015 as a senior associate and was promoted to counsel in May 2016. He is the first partner to have progressed organically within DLA Piper Luxembourg, since the office was established in 2014. He has been recognised as "outstanding at worldwide restructuring projects’" (Legal 500, 2017).

Rachida Benhalima and Yann Zellet will move with Xavier to the new Finance & Projects group. All three have experience of advising on a number of finance transactions, including acquisition finance, asset finance, real estate finance, debt capital markets, alternative finance and financial regulations. They have recently acted in many multi-jurisdictional ground-breaking deals involving finance and restructuring work.

Martin Bartlam, International Head of Finance & Projects, commented that "This appointment is particularly significant for the global Finance practice, and reflects the growing significance of the Luxembourg market place for DLA Piper. Xavier has achieved a huge amount since joining us and his promotion is well deserved."

Catherine Pogorzelski, Country Managing Partner for Luxembourg, commented that "Xavier's appointment signifies a continued commitment to DLA Piper's Luxembourg practice and a sign of the upward trajectory for the office. It also demonstrates that we continue to invest strongly in our people and our brand to deliver the best possible service to our clients."

Xavier's promotion forms part of the firm's global announcement, whereby 46 lawyers have been promoted to partnership. The promotions were made across many of the firm's practice areas in 28 different offices throughout 13 countries.

Simon Levine, Global Co-CEO of DLA Piper, commented: "I would like to extend my thanks and congratulations to all of the highly talented lawyers that join the partnership this year. These lawyers represent the next generation of DLA Piper and their dedication and commitment remains integral to the firm's success and our continued ability to deliver first class legal advice to our clients."