Sharon Fitzgerald, Ph.D.

Dr. Sharon Fitzgerald is a senior partner with over 20 years’ experience advising government clients in respect of complex procurements, and PPP and concession projects across a variety of models (e.g. DBFOT, BOT, BOOT, ROT, DBFO and DBFM) and sectors (e.g. road, rail, ferries, airports, health, housing, municipal infrastructure, telecoms, energy, water, waste management and sanitation). She has also advised on Government reform and institutional State building, including drafting primary and secondary legislation across a range of topics, including in respect of climate-related matters, PPP and procurement. Clients have included governments in Africa, Asia and Europe, and other public sector bodies (including municipal authorities) and regulated entities (including public sector companies). She has also advised private sector clients operating in a multi-jurisdictional environment who are contracting with governments and regulated entities. ​

Sharon leads DLA Piper’s Global Government Contracting initiative which supports businesses to source and win government contracting opportunities, and provides information about doing business with governments and other regulated entities across more than 80 jurisdictions In respect of climate and sustainability, Sharon led the team appointed by the UK Government as the Provider of Legal Services for COP26, and she drafted the Model Law on Institutional Investor Public Partnerships which was launched at COP27. Sharon is currently working with the Government of Mauritius in the context of COP29. Sharon also works closely with the Sustainable Markets Initiative and developed the SMI’s climate training program for government officials which was launched earlier this year and which won ESG Initiative of the Year at the African Legal Awards 2024.