DLA Piper’s local government practice is ‘efficient, well organised and the team is very pleasant to work with’, and advises on major procurement projects, planning issues, and local government powers. Transport and energy are key areas of focus for the team, with de-carbonisation a particular area of strength. Team head Robert Smith has ’exceptional knowledge’, and works for combined authorities on complex matters related to heavy and light rail, as well as bus networks. Smith is noted alongside Ntsakisi Baloyi Rigby for being ‘helpful, polite and explaining things clearly’.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'DLA Piper is efficient, well organised and the team is very pleasant to work with. They’re always responsive and turn around work to a high standard.'
- 'In our area of work, specifically regulated transport such as Bus Reform, individuals such as Robert Smith and Ntsakisi Baloyi Rigby have exceptional knowledge, not only about the legal perspectives but the operational factors in the industry which allow them to bring their legal knowledge to life. They are always helpful, polite and explain things clearly and are a pleasure to work with as part of our extended team.'
Key clients
- Manchester City Council
- Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
- Transport for Greater Manchester
- Greater Manchester Combined Authority
- West Yorkshire Combined Authority
- North East Combined Authority
- South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority
- Transport for Wales
- Tyne & Wear Passenger Transport Executive
Work highlights
Advising MCC on a landmark public procurement of clean energy through a virtual power purchase agreement with AGR.
Advising TfGM and GMCA on the successful implementation of bus franchising across the whole of Greater Manchester.
Advising South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority on taking operation of the Supertram system in-house.
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
Robert Smith
Other key lawyers
Ntsakisi Baloyi Rigby