Richard Sterneberg

Head of Global Government Relations
Richard has a rare ability to understand our business needs as well as the policy influencing our company – that’s why we use him.
Client, Best in Brussels guide 2021
About

Richard Sterneberg is responsible for the team that leads on government affairs projects with an EU focus across the DLA Piper global network. His practice also focuses on helping clients to comply with international sanctions.

He has 25 years of Brussels experience in the technology and telecommunications sector, international sustainability and environmental issues, as well as working alongside many governments and NGOs to manage risk and complex regulatory issues.

Richard is currently helping leading DLA clients to globally shape their regulatory environment and manage supply chain resilience in increasingly challenging policy settings. He has also been closely involved in competition aspects of patents, data and privacy regulation over the past 10 years.

Richard is a regular contributor in the international media as journalists ask for comment on various regulatory developments and EC investigations as well as new legislation. He has also a regular contributor to blog posts for the DLA website. Richard regularly facilitates meetings for various professional organisations – particularly in advisory boards and have also chaired conferences in the life sciences arena. He has lectured at Leiden University and Hoogeschool Utrecht in The Netherlands. Prior to joining DLA Piper, Richard worked in leading international public affairs consultancies. He also has public sector experience, having worked earlier in his career at the Council of the EU. From 2008 to 2020 he was a partner in leading Brussels government Affairs firm.

EXPERIENCE

Richard's experience helps clients manage regulatory risk through a combination of advocacy and regulatory understanding. He has been a trusted advisor:

  • On some of the largest competition and trade cases over the past decade, focusing heavily on regulated sectors such as life sciences and technology (e.g., pricing and reimbursement issues for ultra-rare diseases).
  • Developing a Trade and Brexit advocacy coalition, successfully representing e.g., the most affected EU Members States' fishing fleets.
  • Guiding content driven companies on their regulatory challenges with a particular focus on antitrust aspects of data, privacy and intellectual property.
Languages
  • French
  • Dutch
  • English
  • German
Education
  • Utrecht University, Master’s degree in European and Public International Law, 1998

Awards

Richard had received various lobbying awards for campaigns and is listed in best in Brussels lobbyist ranking.

Publications

Richard is a regular contributor for MLex’s Off the Record, Politico and PARR as journalists ask for comment on various deals and EC investigations as well as new legislation. He has also contributed to blog posts for the company's website.

Seminars

Richard regularly facilitates meetings for various professional organisations – particularly in advisory boards and have also chaired conferences in the life sciences arena.

Visiting lecturer at Leiden University and Hoogeschool Utrecht 2018, 2019.

Prior Experience

Prior to joining DLA Piper, Richard worked in leading international public affairs consultancies. He also has public sector experience, having worked earlier in his career at the Council of the EU.

From 2008 to 2020 he was a partner in leading Brussels government Affairs firm.

Memberships And Affiliations

Richard has run various secretariats of business associations including a pre-eminent organization seeking to address the challenges of doing business in sub-Saharan Africa. He is a member of the board at his children's school and he also manages Hockey club teams.

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