Fielding a ‘very commercial, practical’ practice, the Birmingham-based DLA Piper team has vast experience of representing multinational clients in Supreme Court proceedings, alongside assisting with complex site acquisitions and planning policy issues. The department acts on behalf of clients across the transport, finance and sports industries, with the ’immensely knowledgeable’ head Trevor Ivory being an expert in delivering development and infrastructure projects. The ‘very approachable’ Howard Bassford specialises in all aspects of compulsory purchase and local government law matters, whilst Ian Graves is knowledgeable in judicial review cases. Amy Truman focuses on regeneration schemes, and the ’unflappable’ Pieter Claussen has expertise in section 106 agreements.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Excellent advice presented in an easily digestible manner. The team uses its significant market reach to provide commercial advice and are often ahead of the game.’
‘Trevor Ivory has an intuitive feel of the planning system, especially where new judgements upset the system. Pieter Claussen diligently executes strategic advice in a user-friendly manner.’
‘I think they are a very commercial, practical set up and are always looking to drive things forward.’
‘Trevor Ivory is immensely knowledgeable, and also calm and unflappable.'
- 'Pieter Claussen is very clever, and also very energetic.'
‘Knowledge of the planning system and practical application of the system to be able to find pragmatic workable solutions for clients, sometimes with relatively complex planning issues.’
‘The team is absolutely formidable. Its approach is always robust with a constant eye on risk and strategy. They have an excellent capacity to get on top on highly technical matters and large volumes of information and distill them to the key points.'
‘Amy Truman is a director in the team, based in Birmingham, and is well regarded for her calm and considered approach to providing advice. Amy's advice is simple and easy to understand. Amy is also active in encouraging others in the early stages of their career.’
Key clients
- HS2 Limited
- MEPC
- National Grid
- National Gas Transmission
- Oval Properties
- National Highways
- Ark Data Centres
- East West Rail Company
- Pigeon Land Limited
- Southend United Football Club
Work highlights
- Advising Oval Real Estate on the redevelopment of a significant area in Birmingham's Digbeth district, navigating challenges posed by numerous protected heritage assets to maximise redevelopment opportunities.
- Advising National Grid on several major schemes, including the proposed Grimsby to Walpole Development Consent Order and the Cotswolds and North Wessex Visual Improvement Projects.
- Advised Court Lane in relation to an appeal against Buckinghamshire Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for a major data centre development within the setting of a listed building in the Buckinghamshire Green Belt.
Lawyers
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
Trevor Ivory
Other key lawyers
Howard Bassford; Ian Graves; Amy Truman; Pieter Claussen