Stephen O’Neil, DLA Piper’s first-ever chief strategy officer, joined the global firm in August after 12 years as a partner at EY, including stints in Paris and London. And having advised large multinationals, private equity groups and other financial buyers on work touching a wide span of industries during his tenure at the Big Four firm, he’s convinced the global law firm can do “more” on behalf of its clients. He and Frank Ryan, DLA Piper’s Americas chairman, spoke with the American Lawyer about the firm’s ambitions and strategic direction.

This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.