Sophie Lessar > DLA Piper > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Banks, trading platforms and new model finance providers are among the clients who rely on the expertise at DLA Piper. Anthony Day heads up the team, and has proven track record in handling strategic fintech projects, particularly projects that combine technology and regulatory aspects. Sophie Lessar, lauded as  ‘really knowledgeable in the payment processing sector’, counts banking products, virtual assets and consumer law as additional strong suits. Clients cite Tony Katz for his experience ‘regularly (acting) on high-profile matters against the FCA’. Authorisation and perimeter issues are core competencies for Puesan Lam. Martin Bartlam left the firm for an in-house role in September 2023.

Lauded as ‘ highly commercial and focussed on big picture points’, DLA Piper is geared to assist clients with commercial and partnership agreements, major outsourcing projects and corporate financings. Team head Anthony Day frequently guides clients – including banks, capital markets businesses and insurers – through a range of strategic projects. Sophie Lessar excels in advising on contractual framework for fintech mandates. Chris Rennie is well placed to assist with the negotiation of commercial agreements.

DLA Piper‘s commercial contracts practice stands out for its advice to the UK government, for which it is the lead legal adviser, utilising its ‘strong understanding of the requirements of public sector contracting’. The group is also notable for its ability to advise on contracts involving such elements as ESG and data protection; Mark Dewar, who heads the sizeable team, is an expert in the ESG field. Day-to-day work includes assisting with outsourcing and restructuring agreements, for which Chloe Forster is a key name to call upon. Sophie Lessar and Christian Keogh are go-to contacts in the technology and telecoms sectors, respectively, two areas on which the wider group focuses. Anthony Day is particularly skilled in advising on outsourcing contracts, while Chris Rennie advises on supply chain, logistics, IT and BPO arrangements.

Working with a host of blue-chip multinationals, the team at DLA Piper boasts considerable strength in its retail and consumer offering, spanning IP, litigation and regulatory matters. Ruth Hoy is a highly experienced partner who is particularly noted for her expertise in IP matters. Consumer goods, food and retail group co-head Chloe Forster advises on technology issues, while Sophie Lessar – praised by clients for her ‘in-depth knowledge’ – is involved in the digital aspects of retail and financial services products. Noel Haywood co-chairs the food and beverage sub-sector group and provides support on acquisitions and disposals. Mark Dewar is noted for his expertise on all aspects of the supply chain for consumer goods while Nick Rock displays significant experience in ESG, health and safety and climate change issues.