DLA Piper appoints Edward Eisdell-Moore as NZ tech partner
DLA Piper has appointed Edward Eisdell-Moore as a partner in its technology and data practice in Auckland.
The firm said the appointment takes effect from 1 January 2026. Eisdell-Moore advises on artificial intelligence, technology sourcing projects, data protection and cybersecurity matters.
DLA Piper said Eisdell-Moore works with start-ups, high-growth technology businesses, major corporates and publicly listed multinationals. The firm highlighted data-intensive and infrastructure-driven sectors as a focus for his practice.
Technology focus
The appointment sits within DLA Piper's global Intellectual Property and Technology practice. The firm described that practice as having more than 800 lawyers.
DLA Piper linked the appointment to its investment in technology, data governance and digital infrastructure work in New Zealand. It pointed to regulatory and operational complexity for organisations adopting AI and data-driven systems.
Organisations face legal issues across procurement and implementation. They also manage these issues during day-to-day operations. DLA Piper said this environment has increased demand for advisers with regulatory and delivery experience.
Laura Scampion, Country Managing Partner in New Zealand at DLA Piper, said clients now treat technology and data matters as core business issues.
"Technology, data and AI are now core business issues for our clients, not specialist side topics," said Laura Scampion, Country Managing Partner in New Zealand, DLA Piper. "Ed brings deep technical credibility, strong regulatory understanding and a practical mindset to complex projects. His previous experience as an in-house technology and data specialist at a multinational energy gentailer informs a highly client-centric approach and also boosts our ability to advise clients in the energy sector - including on data centres. His promotion recognises the market need for advisers who can support both innovation and compliance in equal measure."
Regulatory change
Paul Allen, Global Head of IPT at DLA Piper, said clients face overlapping technology, cybersecurity and data protection issues during project delivery.
"Clients are dealing with complex and overlapping technology, cybersecurity and data protection issues, while still needing to deliver projects on time and at scale," said Allen. "Ed gives clients clear and commercial advice in areas where the law is evolving quickly, and his judgement is consistently spot‐on. His promotion reflects the trust clients place in him and the strength he brings to our technology and data practice."
DLA Piper said Eisdell-Moore has published commentary on emerging regulatory issues. It cited New Zealand's approach to AI strategy and regulation. The firm also pointed to his work advising organisations on governance and compliance structures under what it described as a light-touch regulatory framework.
Cross-team work
DLA Piper said Eisdell-Moore works alongside Nick Valentine, Head of Technology and Data in New Zealand at the firm. It said the pair work with corporate, finance, litigation and regulatory teams.
The firm said this work covers transactions, infrastructure projects and regulatory change programmes. It said these matters have significant digital and data components.
DLA Piper also said Eisdell-Moore plays an active role in its pro bono and community programmes.