
DLA Piper‘s commercial practice continues to maintain a strong presence in the public sector, while also remaining active in private industries such as retail, automotive and technology. Beyond acting as a key adviser to the UK government on critical public sector contracts, including major events, pensions administration, and defence procurement, the team handles a broad spectrum of work, from major strategic deals to the outsourcing of day-to-day contract management. Following the departure of London practice head Mark Dewar, Chloe Forster and Sophie Lessar have stepped up to lead the team. Forster has deep experience in the infrastructure sector with some notable aviation clients. Lessar focuses her practice on retail financial services, advising on regulatory considerations in the commercial space. Chris Rennie has experience drafting and negotiating commercial agreements, boasting a track record in significant outsourcing and tech transactions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Key clients
- Tokyo Electron Europe Limited
- Genesis Cancer Care (UK) Limited
- Bolt Operations OÜ
- Jet2
- Wickes Building Supplies Limited
- Ministry of Defence (MoD)
- Tapi Carpets & Floors Limited
Work highlights
Advising Tokyo Electron on their participation in the EU’s Project Archimedes to extend life span in automotive from 8000 to 120,000 hours. In this context TEL entered into the Consortium Agreement with 41 other participants and one ‘task stream’ looking how it could assist in improving software in automotive GPS systems.
Advising Tapi Carpets & Floors on a suite of contracts with John Lewis for Tapi Carpets & Floors concessions across a range of John Lewis stores, with the first launch being in John Lewis' flagship Oxford Street store. The deal followed the collapse of Carpetright (a company on which John Lewis's previous flooring business was dependent), and Tapi Carpets' acquisition of Carpetright stock and store leases out of administration.
Advising the UK's Ministry of Defence (MoD) on its Armed Forces Recruiting Programme (AFRP), acting as the legal adviser on the technology procurement process.
Lawyers
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.
Practice head
Sophie Lessar; Chloe Forster
Other key lawyers
Chris Rennie