DLA Piper is one of the largest global law firms, with a particularly strong presence in the United Kingdom. The firm operates as part of an integrated international business, offering legal services to clients across multiple jurisdictions.
Known for its expansive sector coverage, breadth of expertise, and ability to manage complex, multi-jurisdictional work, DLA Piper UK advises some of the world’s leading corporates, financial institutions, public bodies, and governments.
The firm’s UK offices, located in major cities including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds, and Liverpool, provide comprehensive English law services while collaborating closely with its network of over 90 offices worldwide. DLA Piper UK is recognised for its commercial awareness, client-driven culture, and ability to deliver consistent quality at scale.
Services Offered
DLA Piper UK delivers a broad, full-service offering across various practice areas and industry sectors, including:
- Corporate: Advising on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, private equity, corporate governance, and restructurings. The firm is particularly active in mid- to large-cap transactions and cross-border M&A work.
- Finance and Projects: Providing banking and finance services including asset finance, real estate finance, leveraged finance, trade finance, and structured finance. The firm also advises on major infrastructure and energy projects.
- Litigation, Arbitration and Regulatory: Representing clients in commercial disputes, regulatory investigations, international arbitration, and white-collar matters. DLA Piper’s UK disputes team is known for its expertise in financial services, construction, and technology disputes.
- Employment and Pensions: Offering strategic employment advice, including in areas such as executive contracts, business reorganisations, discrimination, pensions, and employment disputes.
- Real Estate: One of the largest real estate practices in the UK, advising on investment, development, leasing, planning, and construction matters. The firm is particularly strong in commercial property and large-scale development projects.
- Intellectual Property and Technology: Providing services across the full spectrum of IP, media, data protection, and technology law. DLA Piper is well-regarded for advising on complex outsourcing arrangements, data compliance, licensing, and digital platform agreements.
- Tax: Advising on corporate tax, VAT, transfer pricing, tax disputes, and structuring for corporate transactions, property deals, and international investments.
- Regulatory and Government Affairs: Supporting clients with regulatory compliance, public procurement, and public sector projects.
The firm works across key sectors such as financial services, energy, technology, life sciences, hospitality, real estate, and public services.
Company History
DLA Piper was formed in 2005 through the merger of three law firms: DLA (UK), Piper Rudnick (USA), and Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich (USA). DLA itself originated in the UK, founded as Dibb Lupton Broomhead in 1988 following the merger of Dibb & Co and Lupton Fawcett. It later merged with Alsop Wilkinson in 1996, becoming DLA (Dibb Lupton Alsop).
Following its expansion into an international firm in the early 2000s, DLA Piper has since become one of the largest and most globally integrated law firms, with over 4,000 lawyers operating in more than 40 countries.
The UK offices have remained integral to the firm’s strategy, serving as the base for some of its key practice areas and European operations. DLA Piper UK is now one of the country’s largest legal employers.
Awards and Recognition
DLA Piper UK has received numerous industry accolades in recognition of its wide-ranging legal expertise and international capabilities:
- Regularly ranked in Chambers UK and The Legal 500 UK for its corporate, real estate, litigation, and finance practices.
- Winner of Law Firm of the Year – Large Firm at regional legal awards, including in the Midlands, North West, and Yorkshire markets.
- Recognised in the FT Innovative Lawyers Europe report for its innovation in legal services and technology.
- Commended by Legal Business Awards for its commitment to pro bono, diversity, and responsible business practices.
- A consistent presence in rankings for Real Estate Team of the Year and Corporate Team of the Year at UK legal industry awards.
The firm is frequently acknowledged for its leadership in technology adoption, client service innovation, and international deal management.
Client and Industry Sentiment
Client feedback for DLA Piper UK is generally very positive, with several recurring themes in independent reviews and testimonials:
- Strength in international capability, with clients praising the firm’s ability to manage cross-border transactions and disputes effectively through a single, globally connected platform.
- Wide sector knowledge, particularly in technology, energy, real estate, and financial services, with clients noting the firm’s commercial awareness and ability to understand industry-specific challenges.
- Responsiveness and practical advice, with teams known for being approachable, client-focused, and solution-oriented.
- Strong partner involvement, particularly on complex matters, ensuring that senior lawyers remain closely involved in key decision-making processes.
- Innovation and efficiency, with several clients commending the firm’s use of technology and process improvement tools to deliver faster, more cost-effective services.
While recognised as a strong full-service firm, some clients have noted that the firm’s very large, international structure can occasionally lead to varying experiences across different offices. However, its UK offices consistently score highly in client satisfaction surveys for reliability, expertise, and service quality.
Address:
Two Chamberlain Square, Paradise, Birmingham, B3 3AX, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 7349 0296
www.dlapiper.com