With a client base that spans private firms, private equity investors, public companies, and entrepreneurs, the team at DLA Piper is praised for its ‘pragmatic approach’ and ’commercial acumen’. The team covers a broad range of corporate and commercial work, particularly within tech, insurance, and healthcare. The practice is jointly steered by James Kerrigan and Lee Brierley, who are both known for navigating complex commercial deals. Jonathan Watkins focuses on acquisitions, disposals, and restructurings, while Yunus Maka primarily acts for international clients. Andrew Phillips stands out for his private equity expertise, and the ‘impressive’ David Booth is recognised for his industrial sector knowledge.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The responsiveness of the team, the knowledge and internal collaboration to ensure that as a client my requests are handled is superb and makes our day-to-day easier. The diversity of the team is great to see and the longevity of the team with little turnover which helps with the relationship with the team.'
- 'DLA Piper has a fantastic team with a deep understanding of our business. Their expertise and dedication have been instrumental in supporting us with two of our largest procurement contracts. The team's pragmatic approach and commercial acumen ensured that the complex conditions of the contracts were clearly explained and tailored to our needs.'
- 'Their collaborative drafting process made the entire experience seamless and efficient. Their commitment to client-centric service and ability to navigate complex legal landscapes with ease and confidence sets them apart.'
- 'Lee Brierley is a standout lawyer on our panel. Lee is extremely intelligent and pragmatic, able to get any deal over the line in a cost-effective way. His ability to navigate complex legal landscapes and provide clear, actionable advice makes him an invaluable asset to our team.'
- 'David Booth has also been particularly impressive. He has been instrumental in drafting and negotiating complex contracts, such as our large logistics contract - this involved the novation and new business considerations for subcontracts and secondary distribution services agreements. David's ability to explain intricate legal conditions and provide pragmatic solutions has been invaluable in overcoming negotiation roadblocks.'
Key clients
- Aerocloud Systems
- ABM Industries Inc
- Aon Solutions
- Bajaj
- BASF
- Beech Tree Private Equity
- Biffa Group Limited
- Bolt
- Calisen
- Clariant
- Cawingredients
- Colloids Limited
- Dynamic Code
- Elavon
- Equistone Partners Europe
- Experian
- Flowtech Fluidpower plc
- Ineos Group / Ineos Solvents SA
- Inflexion
- Key Retirement Group
Work highlights
Advising Beech Tree Private Equity and the management team on the sale of Transparity Solutions.
Advising Molson Coors Brewing Company on its secondary distribution agreement with DHL Supply Chain and on a number of 3PL, manufacturing and packaging outsourcings for its European operations.
Advising Trio Healthcare on the sale of its business and assets to a Duke Street back investment vehicle which, along with the acquisition of ForLife, created a European ostomy care specialist.
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.
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
James Kerrigan; Lee Brierley
Other key lawyers
Jonathan Watkins; Yunus Maka; Andrew Phillips; David Booth; Chris Wilson