Showcasing substantial expertise on all aspects of the EU AI Act — regularly handling compliance and governance work — DLA Piper is lauded by clients for its ‘pragmatic, business-focused approach’. The firm has strong cross-sector knowledge, spanning from energy to tech, alongside displaying multi-jurisdictional capabilities. Practice head Gareth Stokes specialises in information technology and intellectual property-driven transactions, while Phillip Kelly concentrates on government contracting and outsourcing. Ryan Harrison advises on strategic procurement contracts, and Richard Taylor mainly acts on behalf of clients in the life science sector. Both Jennifer Dale and Michael Stead are also recommended. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Pragmatic, business-focused approach.’
‘Michael Stead and Gareth Stokes have continued to be an asset to our legal and commercial discussions. They make complex matters accessible and keep business objectives front of mind.’
‘Gareth Stokes and his team stand out as true leaders in the field of AI governance and compliance. Their proactive and forward-thinking approach has been instrumental in helping us navigate the complexities of emerging AI regulations, particularly in aligning with the EU AI Act and other global frameworks.'
- 'What sets this team apart is their deep technical expertise combined with a pragmatic understanding of real-world business challenges. Unlike other firms, which often take a one-size-fits-all approach, Gareth and his team tailor their strategies to the specific needs of each organization, ensuring compliance solutions that are both effective and adaptable. Their AI governance methodology has been invaluable in our risk assessment process, providing clarity and confidence in an increasingly regulated space.’
‘Beyond their technical skills, Gareth Stokes and Michael Stead are both exceptional advisors. They are highly responsive, commercially astute, and committed to delivering practical solutions rather than just theoretical advice. Their ability to bridge the gap between legal, technical, and business considerations is a key differentiator, setting them apart from other advisory firms. Both Gareth and Michael bring a level of expertise, clarity, and commercial awareness that is rare in the industry, making them trusted partners in navigating the evolving AI landscape.'
- 'Gareth possesses a rare and invaluable combination of deep technical expertise in AI and a sophisticated understanding of its legal implications. Unlike many tech lawyers who focus solely on regulatory frameworks, he has a profound grasp of the underlying AI technology itself. This unique skill set enables him to navigate complex AI-related legal challenges with precision, offering practical and strategic guidance that is both legally sound and technically informed. His ability to bridge these two worlds sets him apart from competitors and makes his counsel exceptionally effective.'
- 'Similarly, Michael stands out for his ability to distill complex technical and legal concepts into clear, actionable insights. He not only has a keen understanding of how clients operate but also consistently provides forward-thinking advice that balances efficiency with the necessary depth of analysis. His pragmatic and strategic approach ensures that solutions are not just compliant but also commercially viable, making him an invaluable advisor.’
Key clients
- Aon
- Allied Irish Banks PLC
- Cydea
- Dyson
- National Electricity System Operator (NESO)
- Rolls-Royce
- Sona Technologies Ltd
- Superdry
- Technology Innovation Institute
- VISA
Work highlights
Provided legal support to the National Energy System Operator (NESO) during its separation from National Grid. This involved advising on various commercial aspects of this significant transition.
Assisted The Technology Innovation Institute in Abu Dhabi on the development and launch of its open-source large language model (LLM) family, Falcon 3.
Recognised the need to implement AI systems across its business functions but lacked adequate governance procedures for compliance with the EU AI Act.
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
Gareth Stokes
Other key lawyers
Phillip Kelly; Ryan Harrison; Richard Taylor; Jennifer Dale; Daniel Cowley; Michael Stead