Simon Levine

Simon Levine is the Managing Partner and Global co-CEO of DLA Piper, a major global law firm with lawyers in more than 40 countries. Before taking on these roles, Simon was the Global Group Head for the Intellectual Property and Technology practice. He specialises in intellectual property and media law, advising leading companies such as Motorola, Toshiba, Honda, LG Electronics, The Premier League, Cricket Australia, NBC Universal, Turner/CNN, HSBC, Sony Pictures, and UBS. His expertise covers patents, design rights, trademarks, breach of confidence, and copyright. Simon has a wealth of experience in litigation and arbitration, appearing in courts worldwide, including the High Court, the Court of Appeal, the House of Lords/Supreme Court, and the European Court of Justice. His cases have often set legal precedents and attracted media attention.

Under Simon's leadership since 2015, DLA Piper has seen significant growth in its reputation, brand, and profitability. He has reset the firm’s strategy, focusing on innovation, diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. He has played a key role in developing the firm's Law& innovation agenda during his tenure. He also teaches intellectual property and business at Imperial College Business School in London, where he was granted a professorship in 2015. Additionally, he has presented at the Moller Institute and the Cambridge Institute for Sustainable Leadership.

Simon is actively involved in various advisory roles. He is a Non-Executive Board member for the UK higher education regulator, the Office for Students, and chairs its Quality Assessment Committee. He also serves on the advisory boards of the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, City UK, and the International Development Business Exchange, working closely with the leadership of the CBI and London First. His leadership and contributions have been instrumental in navigating DLA Piper through challenging times, including the recent extension of his term to maintain stability amid the uncertainties of the coronavirus pandemic.

Simon Levine is the Managing Partner and Global co-CEO of DLA Piper, one of the largest and most prestigious law firms in the world, with a presence in over 40 countries. His journey to the top of the legal profession is marked by a series of notable achievements and a commitment to excellence in intellectual property and media law.

Simon’s educational foundation was laid at the University of Cambridge, where he earned both his BA (Hons) and MA (Hons) in Law. This prestigious background provided him with a strong legal foundation and set the stage for his future career. He joined DLA Piper in 2005 and quickly made his mark, eventually becoming the Global Group Head for the Intellectual Property and Technology practice. His expertise spans various aspects of intellectual property law, including patents, design rights, trademarks, breach of confidence, and copyright. Simon has advised leading companies such as Motorola, Toshiba, Honda, LG Electronics, The Premier League, Cricket Australia, NBC Universal, Turner/CNN, HSBC, Sony Pictures, and UBS.

Simon's role at DLA Piper extends beyond his legal practice. Since 2015, he has served as the Managing Partner and Global co-CEO of the firm. In these roles, he has been instrumental in reshaping DLA Piper's strategy, culture, and values. He has placed a strong emphasis on innovation, diversity, inclusion, and sustainability, driving the firm's growth in reputation, brand, and profitability. His leadership has been particularly notable during the COVID-19 pandemic, where his term was extended by two years to ensure stability and continuity in challenging times.

In addition to his leadership roles, Simon has an impressive record in litigation and arbitration. He has appeared in courts worldwide, including the High Court, the Copyright Tribunal, the Court of Appeal, the House of Lords/Supreme Court, and the Privy Council. He has also litigated at the Trademark and Patent Registries in the UK and Europe, as well as the European Court of Justice. Many of his cases have set legal precedents and garnered media attention. His arbitration experience includes working under various rules, including those of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

Simon has been listed in leading directories such as Chambers and Legal 500 as a top media and intellectual property practitioner. Intellectual Asset Management Magazine included him in its inaugural "IAM 250 – A Guide to the World’s Leading IP Strategists." His dedication to education is evident through his teaching role at Imperial College Business School in London, where he was granted a professorship in 2015. He has also worked with and presented at the Moller Institute and the Cambridge Institute for Sustainable Leadership.

Beyond his professional and academic pursuits, Simon is actively involved in various advisory roles. He serves as a Non-Executive Board member for the UK higher education regulator, the Office for Students, and chairs its Quality Assessment Committee. He is also a member of the advisory boards of the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, City UK, and the International Development Business Exchange. Additionally, he collaborates with the leadership of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and London First.
 

Simon Levine envisions a legal landscape where innovation, diversity, and sustainability are at the forefront. Under his leadership, he aims to make DLA Piper not only a leading law firm but also a model of ethical practice and inclusivity. His focus is on fostering a culture that values different perspectives, drives technological advancements, and addresses global challenges responsibly. By integrating these principles, Simon seeks to ensure that DLA Piper remains resilient, adaptable, and capable of providing exceptional legal services to clients worldwide, even in times of uncertainty.