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Neil Bowker

He/HimPartner
Global Co-Chair of Litigation & Regulatory
He is a lawyer I regard as top of his game, he exudes tremendous confidence and is a master tactician.
— Chambers & Partners
UK
About

Neil is a recognised leading litigator and trusted advisor to leading global businesses. He advises multinational companies and UK plcs on business-critical commercial disputes where the consequences extend beyond the proceedings themselves, helping clients protect their commercial relationships, business interests and reputation.

Identified by Chambers & Partners as an "Eminent Practitioner" in Litigation, Neil's practice focuses on complex, high-stakes matters, particularly those spanning multiple jurisdictions or requiring coordinated legal and regulatory advice. He has extensive experience defending substantial claims, enforcing contractual rights and advising on disputes arising from major transactions, joint ventures, contractual arrangements and property investments. Neil advises clients throughout the lifecycle of a dispute, from managing emerging risks and taking urgent protective action to leading proceedings and resolution strategies.

As Global Co-Chair of DLA Piper’s Litigation and Regulatory Group, Neil brings together multidisciplinary teams across jurisdictions to address clients’ most complex disputes and regulatory challenges.

Areas of FocusData, Privacy and CybersecurityFranchiseIndustrialsLife SciencesLitigation, Arbitration and InvestigationsRegulatory and Government AffairsTechnology
Professional QualificationsSolicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales

EXPERIENCE

  • Advising a multinational hotel operator regarding numerous contractual situations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, including Court and Arbitration proceedings.
  • Defending a significant land and property regeneration company against multi-million pound claims that a joint venture entity with the claimant had been granted an extension to a pre-existing option to purchase and develop a substantial brownfield redevelopment and that our client had breached this alleged option. Our client settled on terms that saw it receive a substantial payment and take full possession and unencumbered title to the development land.
  • Pursuing and defending numerous claims being advanced in confidential Arbitration proceedings relating to long term contractual relationships and sale and leaseback arrangements.
  • Acting for a multinational hotel operator in relation to a sensitive situation involving a hunger striker who was pursuing an unlawful campaign against the operator, including unlawfully occupying a room in prominent London hotel and threatening to take his own life. We assembled a multi-disciplinary team, and worked closely with the emergency services, to obtain an urgent injunction and to evict him without incident and advised our client on managing its reputational and legal exposure.
  • Successfully defending a worldwide Casino operator against claims of breach of contract and statutory duties and allegations of fraud in relation to online roulette services. Our client was accused of unlawful conduct and unfair contractual terms rendering them liable for various losses. We obtained Summary Judgment, dismissing the claim in its entirety and securing a full costs award.

Awards

  • Neil is recognised by Acritas as a Star Lawyer and as a tier one Litigation and Dispute Resolution expert in the leading legal directories, which comment on Neil’s “rare strategic insight” on cases “reading the courtroom incredibly well, never losing sight of the big picture and leaves no stone unturned in fighting his client’s corner”. Neil is also credited with an “ability to handle delicate situations with utter professionalism, and continue to give first-rate advice throughout”, remarking his approach “is truly excellent”.
  • Chambers & Partners recognise Neil as an "Eminent Practitioner" in Litigation, with market feedback describe Neil as having "great strategic vision ", while being "astute both commercially and legally " noting that in litigation " he has the ear of the court and has a very smooth advocacy style".
  • Neil is recognised by Acritas as a Star Lawyer and as a tier one Litigation and Dispute Resolution expert in the leading legal directories, which comment on Neil’s “rare strategic insight” on cases “reading the courtroom incredibly well, never losing sight of the big picture and leaves no stone unturned in fighting his client’s corner”. Neil is also credited with an “ability to handle delicate situations with utter professionalism, and continue to give first-rate advice throughout”, remarking his approach “is truly excellent”.
  • Chambers & Partners describe Neil as a "highly pragmatic, sensible litigator", with [interviewees appreciating his] "practical and tailored advice" noting he brings together "tremendous commercial acumen with a top-notch tactical brain".
Education
  • University of Nottingham, LLB Hons – Law

Seminars

Neil is heavily involved in the firm's WIN programme for in-house lawyers and regularly speaks at legal conferences on topics ranging from legal professional privilege to fraud awareness and crisis management.

My latest insights

News

DLA Piper International doubles down on Latin America through strategic team relocation

6 October 2025

News

DLA Piper appoints new partner to its London Litigation and Regulation Practice

13 November 2023 .1 minute read

News

DLA Piper appoints new Litigation and Regulatory partner to its Edinburgh Office

4 January 2023 .2 minute read

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