DLA Piper is restructuring its Asia offices in a move which will see 20 of its Asia-based lawyers made redundant by the end of March.

The firm announced that 54 staff members - 20 fee earners and 34 support staff - across its Asia businesses will be cut. Most of the cuts are believed to affect the Hong Kong office, in the aftermath of several partner departures.

"We are reshaping our resource structure and cost base to better align with current business activity levels as a result of the recent market downturn," said Asia managing partner, Alastair Da Costa. "We believe such a realignment will enable us to emerge from the downturn in a much stronger position as conditions improve."

Da Costa said that the firm's main priority is servicing its clients, and that the cuts were strategically and commercially responsible. "Our focus remains very much centred on our clients, ensuring existing service levels are not compromised and that our clients continue to receive the care, attention and quality legal advice they have come to expect from us," he said.

The firm has lost seven partners to competitors in the region this year, including former Singapore managing partner Desmond Ong to Eversheds and, more recently, partner Kevin Murphy who has joined K&L Gates' new Singapore office.

A memo leaked to a blog allegedly providing an outline of the firm's culling strategy detailed how those affected will be assessed on several areas, including their strength in maintaining client relationships, initiative shown in external practices and the amount of leave taken.

The announcement makes DLA Piper the second major international firm to declare cuts specifically affecting its Asia offices, following a similar move made by Allen & Overy, which is also restructuring its Hong Kong office following partner defections.