DLA named as IT law firm of the year in new guide

DLA has been named IT law firm of the year while a similar honour for telecoms work went to top-five firm Allen & Overy, according to a guide published this week.The Insider Guide to IT & Telecoms said DLA defied those who thought its IT practice had 'died' when 'stars' David Barret and Alistair Maughan left to go to US firms.

DLA's IT litigation team was particularly praised for its 'resolutely practical and highly systemised approach'.A&O rated 'second to none' in telecoms work, and also gained a five-star rating for corporate telecoms mergers and acquisitions work and joint venture work and for its major project and regulatory work.Five-star telecoms lawyers were Robyn Durie of Linklaters, Elizabeth Hiester of Clifford Chance, David Kerr of Bird & Bird and Colin Long of Olswang.Christopher Millard of Clifford Chance, Richard Kemp of Kemp & Co, Hamish Sandison of Bird & Bird and Harry Small of Baker & McKenzie all gained five-star ratings in IT work.

Sue Allen