David Booth > DLA Piper > Manchester, England > Lawyer Profile

DLA Piper‘s franchising group predominantly advises multinational franchisors, with a particular strength in the hospitality and leisure sector. The team often collaborates with the firm’s European and US-based offices to provide clients with a cross-border offering. Transactional lawyer Matthew Duncombe sits at the helm of the practice from Leeds, and he also co-chairs the firm’s global hospitality and leisure practice. Manchester-based David Booth and Sophie Conroy in Leeds are also key members of the team.

The ‘talented‘ group at DLA Piper UK LLP maintains its strong focus on the public sector, handling a broad array of national tech projects. Leading the team from Liverpool, Sarah Bell is noted for her exceptional expertise in IT procurement, often assisting government departments. Manchester’s Lee Brierley has longstanding experience in smart ticketing projects; Naomi Ross routinely advises on IT procurement projects within the financial services and utility sectors; and David Booth, who was promoted to partner in May 2024, has vast knowledge of AI and technology contracts. In Liverpool, Peter Brook routinely assists with government clients with tower contracts and national IT programs, and Paddy Dwyer is adept at advising on the full range of business critical IT contracts.

Counting multiple private companies, PE houses, public companies and entrepreneurs among its clients, DLA Piper maintains its leading position in the Manchester market. The team is well-versed in the full spectrum of corporate and commercial matters, advising clients across the tech, insurance and healthcare sectors. James Kerrigan and Lee Brierley jointly lead the team and are both noted for their ability to advise clients on complex commercial projects. Elsewhere in the team, Jonathan Watkins continues to lead on acquisitions, disposals and group reorganisations, while Yunus Maka is a key port of call for a number of international clients. Andrew Phillips is lauded for his work in the PE space, and David Booth is recommended for his expertise in the industrials sector.