Barney Connell
DLA PiperPraised for providing ‘tactically astute advice that takes the commercial context into account’, DLA Piper’s litigation and arbitration team offers comprehensive support for a range of disputes spanning banking, engineering, industrials, transport, life sciences and technology. Richard Norman heads up the team and has a proven track record in telecoms disputes. The team additionally frequently works pro bono with recent mandates including work concerning conversion therapy and survivors of human trafficking. Mick Lawlor is well-versed in disputes pertaining to industrial issues. Daniel Jones and Barney Connell‘s expertise further extends the unit’s strong technology disputes offer, while Sam Gokarn-Millington’s consumer litigation prowess has made him a popular choice with cryptocurrency platforms.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Cost effective approach to matters and considering the commercial impacts on the client businesses.'
- 'Strong collaboration with businesses and across disciplines.’
‘The DLA team deal has shown a great capability to flex across large and complex litigation as well as smaller matters such as pursuing debt. They provide tactically astute advice taking into account the commercial context. They have also embraced working with alternative fee models.’
‘Richard Norman is an excellent lead partner - he and his team are incredibly personable and take a commercial and pragmatic approach aimed at supporting us in our aims while ensuring we are aware of the risks of different options.’
‘It's all about the people, and DLA's team is exceptional.’
‘My main contact in the disputes team is Richard Norman. He's brilliant, I trust him completely.’
‘The DLA attorneys are very responsive and a pleasure to work with.’
‘James Watson and Richard Norman are top-notch attorneys.’
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
- University of Salford
- Verizon
- Viasat
Work highlights
- Advising on a dispute relating to the payments made in respect of water and sewage services and the ownership of drainage routes.
- Defending a group action brought by circa 200 claimants in the TCC in respect of an alleged nuisance affecting one of Europe’s biggest industrial sites.
- Pursuing High Court proceedings against United Utilities and Water Plus in respect of significant overcharging, which includes novel points of law affecting utility supplies.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Richard Norman
DLA PiperNext generation lawyers
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Mick Lawlor
DLA PiperPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Richard Norman