DLA Piper has installed Shan Spencer as the new head of its Europe, Middle East and Asia restructuring practice. Manchester-based Spencer takes over in the role from Simon Neilson-Clark, who has stepped down after three years to concentrate on client work ahead of the anticipated surge in demand for restructuring advisers. Spencer, who has been a partner at DLA Piper for six years, was previously head of the transatlantic giant's 18-lawyer northwest restructuring team.