DLA Piper ‘distinguishes itself through its combination of technical excellence, commercial awareness, and client-focused service’. Heading the team, Olaf Schmidt focuses on hotel acquisitions, joint ventures for micro-living schemes and shopping centre disposals. Elena Varese handles logistics transactions, retail platform sales and sale-and-leaseback structures. Federico Barbàra is well-versed in logistics hubs, land assemblies, and build-to-own projects for e-commerce operators. Francesco Edoardo Ascione contributes across these mandates. Valentina Marengo advises on data centre work and transactions involving historic and defunct industrial complexes. Elena Generini is another name to note.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team offers a deep knowledge of the Italian real estate legal practices and market dynamics. It offers strong collaboration among the specialised teams (lease, tax, transaction, W&I, etc.). The people constituting DLA Piper's team are responsive and generally very much available for discussions.’
- ‘Olaf Schmidt, who is our main point of contact in DLA Piper's team, has shown deep knowledge and experience of the Italian real estate legal frameworks and practices. He also provides valuable guidance on key negotiation points between the parties to the deal.'
- ‘I personally choose to work with the firm for Valentina Marengo. She has a strong standing in negotiations and is able to support us in achieving our goals whenever possible. She represents a true guarantee of reliability and professionalism.’
- ‘They are very proactive, responsive and are always available when we need them. They offer seamless technical expertise in real estate investment and planning law.’
- ‘Federico Barbàra's muscular approach makes the difference. Valentina Marengo is also a great help in dealing with construction matters; she has a great knowledge of health & safety matters.’
- ‘The team at DLA consistently demonstrates exceptional professionalism, deep legal expertise, and a client-focused approach. One of their greatest strengths is their availability; they are always accessible to provide timely advice and clear guidance, no matter how complex the matter. Their collaborative style ensures that every detail is handled with precision, while their commitment to delivering practical, results-driven solutions instils confidence at every stage of the process.'
- 'DLA is a trusted partner, and I would highly recommend their services to any organisation seeking reliable and responsive legal counsel.’
- ‘Having worked with many leading law firms over the years, I can confidently say that DLA Piper distinguishes itself through its combination of technical excellence, commercial awareness, and client-focused service. Where others can feel transactional, DLA demonstrates a genuine commitment to partnership, investing the time to understand the business context and providing solutions that are both practical and strategic.'
Key clients
- Aberdeen
- Accor
- Al Soori
- Angelo Gordon
- Apto DC
- Aquila
- Arec Neprix
- Arkèa Real Estate Investment Managers
- AXA
- Azimut
- Bain Credit
- BNP Paribas
- Blackstone
- Brookfield
- Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board
- Castello SGR
- Colliers
- CommerzReal
- Corum XL SCPI managed by Corum Asset Management S.a.s.
- CyrusOne
Work highlights
Represented Omnam Group in the acquisition of the Bauer Hotel in Venice.
Assisted Nuveen and Safestore in the creation of a JV and the purchase by such JV of an Italian fund platform that owns 13 self-storage buildings, of which 2 were under development at the time of purchase.
Assisted Palace Resort in the acquisition of a historical real estate complex located in Via Vergini, Rome, to be developed into a new luxury hotel.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Francesco Edoardo Ascione
Practice head
Olaf Schmidt
Other key lawyers
Elena Generini; Federico Barbàra; Francesco Edoardo Ascione; Valentina Marengo; Elena Varese