DLA Piper‘s government contracting practice is instructed by a diverse client base, including local and central government and private sector companies. The team is recognised for providing strategic advice on large scale procurements, including services contracts, IT and public procurement, as well as ongoing planning and development advice to major energy and transport infrastructure projects. Sarah Bell makes up half of the leadership team and is based in Liverpool, leading on joint ventures, outsourcings and commercial projects, including a recent life sciences development, while Liam Cowell leads from Manchester and is well versed in PPPs and project finance transactions. Sophie Stewart has extensive experience advising councils on CPO backed schemes, and Mark Beardwood is well-versed in regeneration and property development schemes. Meanwhile, Lee Brierley leads on IT procurement and outsourcing mandates and Andrew S. Davies advises on projects in the waste, water and nuclear sectors.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The team members we work with are very experienced in the field we've engaged them on.'
- 'Individuals are approachable and friendly. They are able to offer support and advice in an accessible way.'
Key clients
- Cheshire West and Chester Borough Council
- Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority
- Halton Borough Council / Mersey Gateway Crossing Board Limited
- Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council
- Liverpool City Council
- Manchester City Council
- Sciontec Developments Limited
- Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council
- Transport for Greater Manchester
- Transport for the North
- Wirral Borough Council
Work highlights
Advising Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council in connection with the procurement of a state of the art multi-million-pound marine lake events centre. The plans include a theatre space, conference and exhibition centre and more.
Advised Sciontec Developments Limited from its establishment and continue to advise on multiple commercial and development projects.
Advised Greater Manchester Pension Fund on the acquisition of multiple assets including Brackmills Industrial Estate, Northampton, Volkswagen & Skoda's flagship car dealership in West London, and a multi-let office building at 10-22 Victoria Street, Bristol with a cumulative value of circa GBP93 million.
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.
Practice head
Sarah Bell; Liam Cowell
Other key lawyers
Sophie Stewart; Mark Beardwood; Lee Brierley; Andrew S. Davies; Gemma Cowap; Matthew Cliff; Mike Temple