Australia – DLA Piper has appointed Kon Tsiakis as a partner in its restructuring group. He commenced in the firm's Melbourne office on 1 May 2014. Kon practices in the area of restructuring and insolvency, acting for major financial institutions and funds, premier insolvency practitioners and non-financial institutions and their directors.

In addition to his expertise in banking work outs, insolvency and restructuring, Kon has a litigious practice which includes banking litigation and recovery, and commercial litigation across a range of matters including contractual breaches, tortious duties and equitable remedies in the superior courts.

He joins DLA Piper from HWL Ebsworth where he was also a partner. Prior to that he spent 10 years at Freehills (now Herbert Smith Freehills). In addition, Kon has international cross-border insolvency experience gained while employed by a major US law firm in London.

DLA Piper restructuring group head Scott Harris said Kon's appointment to the firm's partnership was evidence of the firm's investment in that practice area and the firm's major financial institutional clients . "Kon will enhance the depth of our practice which is delivering quality, cost efficient service to its national and global clients across various jurisdictions. Kon's arrival is a demonstration of our commitment to our clients and our developing restructuring practice; Kon's appointment coincides with the promotion of Ameilia Kelly to partner in the restructuring group."

Kon added that he was looking forward to joining a top global law firm. "I think DLA Piper has a reputation for working with top clients and undertaking work of a high calibre. I look forward to building on my experience there."