The ‘patient and understanding’ practice at DLA Piper is well recognised for its expertise handling cross-border disputes, particularly related to the technology and industrial sectors. The team handles a range of high-profile leading disputes, with vast expertise in the banking, construction, and mining sectors. International arbitration and investigations are key strengths of the practice led by Richard Norman, who is ’personable and commercial without losing sight of the legal details’. Daniel Jones is an ‘extremely strong legal director’, and skilled at handling group litigation and sports matters. Mick Lawlor is noted, with experience advising on high-value international disputes, and Barney Connell handles notable investigations.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘They get us - DLA work with us and directly with our commercial teams in a way that is more seamless, without the need for us to act as buffer or intermediary. They invest in us and collaborate effectively to understand our business, the principle risks and are flexible in ensuring the best value.’
‘This team is extremely commercial and pragmatic. They take the time to understand the client's aims and apply technical skill and tactical knowhow to achieve the desired outcome.'
‘Richard Norman is excellent - he is personable and commercial without losing sight of the legal details. Daniel Jones is an extremely strong legal director. He has great attention to detail while always holding the client's goal in mind.’
‘The DLA Team in Sheffield provide pragmatic, focused advice tailored for our business needs. The team are patient and understanding when working with a large corporate, and well organised.’
‘Richard Norman, Barney Connell and Ashley Gilbert are all excellent and go above and beyond to deliver a stellar service.’
Key clients
- Adobe
- Atos
- Arconic
- Arqiva
- Boots plc
- Brendon International Limited
- CBRE
- Coal Authority
- Crowdstrike Inc
- Eviden
- Gamma Telecom
- IFS
- Neos Networks
- NTT Data
- Proact IT
- Reckitt Benckiser
- Robert Bosch UK Holdings Limited
- Tata Communications
- Tata Steel
- Telenor
Work highlights
Advising Brendon International in a dispute surrounding charges for surface water drainage and highway drainage services.
Advising an international industrial business on claims arising from a train derailment at one of its sites.
Advising an international IT consultancy on a complex dispute arising from the outsourcing of its customer's IT estate. The disputes centre around delay, termination and the scope and extent of exit assistance.
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.
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
Richard Norman
Other key lawyers
Daniel Jones; Mick Lawlor; Barney Connell; Ashley Gilbert