Top 20 law firm DWF has recruited partner Tim Leeson and director David Willbe to its corporate team in the City, further strengthening the firm’s 80-strong national corporate team and helping drive forward the firm’s focus on the technology sector. They join from the London office of US firm Crowell & Moring.

Tim Leeson has in-depth corporate expertise not only at the high value private equity, venture capital and exit stage, but also at the early stage, of corporate finance transactions. This includes acting for founders, businesses, and investors (including funds) and banks, both in the UK and internationally (particularly in the US, Continental Europe and the MENA region). Tim also has undertaken some high-profile restructuring work. He has over 20 years’ experience advising technology clients and will lead DWF’s technology sector focus in the firm’s London office.

David Willbe has extensive M&A, venture capital, restructuring and equity capital markets experience with expertise in advising technology and biotech clients at all stages of the investment and exit cycle. David has also advised both banks and issuers on listings and other transactions on AIM and other capital markets.

DWF’s Head of Corporate in London Jay Birch says, “Tim and David bring exceptional corporate and technology sector expertise to enhance our growing client offering, both in the City and nationally.”

DWF's 80-strong corporate team has seen a 140% year-on-year increase in deal volumes across the UK with particular growth in the financial services, real estate and technology sectors. DWF is currently ranked fourth most deal active law firm in the UK by independent analysts Experian Corpfin.

In terms of its capability in the technology sector, DWF has an internationally experienced technology team which advises an extensive base of international clients, including listed businesses, multinational corporations (including several Fortune 500 companies), owner-managed businesses, local authorities and major industrial and provident societies. This includes corporate and commercial technology-related work, including data security, data protection, intellectual property, procurement and outsourcing.

The appointments follow the recruitment earlier this month of corporate partner Richard Tall and the London corporate team of TLT.

At DWF a director is equivalent to a partner.