DLA Piper's Leeds managing partner Neil McLean is set to retire from the firm.

The high-profile property partner is due to retire at the end of April 2011 after 17 years at the national firm. He will be replaced in his role as office head by finance partner Sarah Day, who was appointment to the firm's international board last year.

McLean will continue to work with DLA Piper in an advisory capacity, playing a role in client reviews and partner assessment programmes.

McLean has held a number of roles at DLA, including serving as head of the UK real estate practice for three years between 1996 and 1999, before taking up the Leeds office head role in 1999. He also served on the firm's international board between 2006 and 2009.

McLean said: "I have been proud to build my career at DLA Piper. Our practice in Leeds has had 10 years of successful development and growth on the local regional, national and international scene and I know Sarah will lead the office to even greater success."

Last month DLA Piper announced an 8.5% rise in turnover at the half-year mark with revenues for its UK and international practice hitting £280m, up from £258m at the same point last year. The figure outpaced DLA Piper's budgeted target of £277m for the period ending 31 October.