DLA Piper offers specialist public law advice to public authorities, commercial organisations, and third sector clients on high-value and high-profile matters involving public functions. The firm handles a wide range of issues, including judicial reviews, procurement disputes, policy development, appearances before parliamentary committees, public inquiries, and matters concerning human rights, equality, and freedom of information. Emma Dowden-Teale leads the team and has a broad practice spanning all areas of public law, both contentious and advisory. She regularly acts for government bodies as well as private and third sector clients, with notable expertise in human rights and procurement. Claire Whittle supports clients on complex public law issues, advising on judicial review, inquiries, and regulatory compliance.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘High-quality team, streamlined to produce work of the highest quality in the public inquiry setting.’
‘A very intelligent and well-informed team.’
‘Harry Campbell stands out as a highly knowledgeable public lawyer with excellent tactical sense.’
‘The team at DLA Piper has been incredibly helpful and supportive. They are always available when needed and quick to respond, which makes a big difference in time-sensitive situations. Their legal knowledge is clearly expert level, and they take the time to explain things clearly.'
'I mainly dealt with partner Claire Whittle. I found her to be extremely knowledgeable about public law and also very commercial and practical in her approach, demonstrating excellent understanding of the client's commercial needs while appreciating the possibilities, and limitations, of public law litigation. I would say that this commercial and practical approach, coupled with a real understanding of the relevant legal principles, permeates her team and makes the practice extremely attractive in this area.'
- 'One of the things I value most about the team is that they do not just give you one path forward. They provide well-thought-out options and help you weigh up the pros and cons of each. This flexibility and practical advice set them apart.'
- 'Every time there was contact needed with the team, they were 100% focused on our activities, never felt rushed or that there were other priorities. Always had time and patience to explain the process and scenario planning.'
Key clients
- The Disclosure and Barring Service
- Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority
- The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
- The Sea Fish Industry Authority
- Birmingham City Council
- Premier League
- British Business Bank plc
- Ofgem (The Gas and Electricity Markets Authority)
- The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Work highlights
Advising the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, as its sole legal advisors, on all public law advice in relation to how IPSA can discharge its important and high-profile functions relating to MPs pay and expenses.
Instructed by GXO Logistics to support applications to lift the automatic suspension on a flagship logistics contract worth up to £4.4 billion, where it had been the successful bidder – the applications were successful and it has been able to enter into the contract.
Advising Birmingham City Council in a judicial review of the Department for Transport’s decision not to approve the Outline Business Case for a new sub-contractor in relation to a 30-year project agreement to manage the highways network for Birmingham City Council.
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.
Claire Whittle
Practice head
Emma Dowden-Teale
Other key lawyers
Claire Whittle; Marie Fegan; Harry Campbell; Eloise Pollard