The ‘exceptional’ team at DLA Piper ’brings to the table the impressive resources of a global firm, while also ensuring a personal touch and a level of client service which is second to none’. The agile team is adept at handling large-scale national and cross-border projects. It frequently advises on major restructurings, reorganisations, and outsourcing and insourcing deals. It is also skilled at acting in all types of employment tribunal litigation, from wrongful dismissal to complex whistleblowing. Practice head Emma Phillips has extensive transactional, litigation and cross-border project experience. Sandra Wallace plays a pivotal role in the department, while legal director Lisa Hodgson has significant experience in the consumer goods sector.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Emma Phillips – very knowledgeable, highly strategic and a real pleasure to work with. Lisa Hodgson – partner-level support, great sounding board and always quick to respond. Matt Jeavons – TUPE guru.'
'The way they communicate among themselves and provide an unique view of a cross-board legal assessment is unique.'
'Bethan Odey has gone to great lengths to understand our culture, policies and practice. Once Bethan has engaged in a case, she is entirely committed to ensuring that we get the best advice and support.'
‘Lisa Hodgson is an absolute delight to work with. She has a reassuring confidence which lets clients know, without doubt, that they are in safe hands with her.'
'Bethan Odey is client-friendly, extremely responsive, and tuned in perfectly to clients' needs. She knows where the strengths and weaknesses in a case are.'
'Matthew Jeavons is a strong all-rounder who is adept at helping clients navigate the complexities of employment litigation, while never losing sight of where the commercial realities in a particular dispute lie.’
‘Samantha Haglington has a special talent to communicate complicated advice, clearly enabling me to make informed decisions knowledgeably. I feel in safe hands with her.'
- 'Emma Phillips is an extremely pragmatic, gets-to-the-point-quickly lawyer with deep technical expertise and a very user-friendly approach.’
Key clients
- C & J Clark International UK Limited (Clarks)
- RCI Europe
- Prologis
- London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham
- Aptiv plc
- Madison Logic, Inc
- Lomondo Limited (Melia Hotels)
- Sodexo
- National Grid
- Dignity plc
Work highlights
Advising Madison Logic on the enforcement of post-termination restrictive covenants, following the departure of employees in Ireland, UK and Singapore to a competitor.
Created a bespoke, dedicated global service team for a global technology, manufacturing and retail client across 38 countries, providing day-to-day support on the lifecycle of employment matters.
Working closely to support National Grid Electricity System Operator for the past year, working as an extension of its in-house legal function and advising on all matters relating to its separation from the National Grid group pursuant to the provisions of the Energy Act 2023.
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
Emma Phillips
Other key lawyers
Sandra Wallace; Matthew Jeavons; Lisa Hodgson; Bethan Odey; Samantha Haglington