Bird & Bird LLP > London, England > Firm Profile

Bird & Bird LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Artificial intelligence Tier 1

With experience of defending companies against AI-related copyright and trade mark infringement claims, as well as handling multi-jurisdictional M&A within the AI sphere, Bird & Bird LLP is highly regarded for its data regulatory and IP expertise. The practice displays considerable strength in advising corporations on their internal policies for the use of generative AI, in addition to complex patent filing strategies. The practice is co-headed by Toby Bond, Gabriel Voisin, Katharine Stephens, and Richard McMorris, with the quartet bringing extensive knowledge in: disputes relating to data licensing and cybersecurity issues, IP enforcement programs, and commercial rights matters to the team. Roger Bickerstaff is an expert on all aspects of technology and EU procurement law, while Will Bryson primarily focuses on licensing and maintenance agreements.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Franchising Tier 1

The reputable franchising department at Bird & Bird LLP is notable for supporting clients in the food and beverage, retail, hospitality, and leisure industries with their global expansions, as well as those in the healthcare, education and green energy industries. It also boasts a dedicated franchise disputes practice, which is overseen by the ‘outstanding‘ Victoria Hobbs; it benefits from the firm’s global network of offices, enabling the team to represent clients in domestic and international disputes. The wider practice is led by Graeme Payne, who has a particular focus on advising clients in the consumer-focused arena on their domestic and international franchising matters. Nick Green is another key name, and he is strong in assisting with franchising, distribution, and agency agreements.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: patents (contentious and non-contentious) Tier 1

Enjoying a well-established and ‘impressive’ presence across Europe, Middle East, and Asia, Bird & Bird LLP combines its commercial acumen with its technical expertise to advise on market-leading cases in the sectors of life sciences, technology, and telecoms. The practice is jointly led by Tom Snaith, who assists clients with the IP and technology aspects of complex transactions, and Rebecca O’Kelly-Gillard, who is well-versed in global enforcement and contentious mandates. Other key contacts include Morag Macdonald, who remains a force to be reckoned with on the litigation front, and Richard Vary, who is particularly noted for his capabilities in the valuation of portfolios and FRAND mandates. Katharine Stephens capitalises on her engineering background to assist clients with a multitude of strategic matters, comprised of multi-jurisdictional litigation and protection and enforcement programmes. Toby Bond’s arsenal of skills include AI, high-tech mandates and data licensing. IP and life sciences expert Nicole Jadeja joined from Pinsent Masons LLP in December 2023. Chris De Mauny has temporarily joined the San Francisco office as co-head and former co-head Robert Williams has retired. Jane Mutimear and James Pearson are also recommended.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyright and design Tier 1

Operating at the forefront of the global IP markets, Bird & Bird LLP possesses well-earned gravitas through its wealth of experience coordinating international mandates, managing significant trade mark and copyright litigation alongside transactional work. Tom Snaith and Rebecca O’Kelly-Gillard co-helm the team, with the latter demonstrating considerable prowess in the copyright sphere and is a pre-eminent presence within the media, entertainment, and digital sectors. Phil Sherrell led the team in the case of COPA v Wright regarding the ‘Battle of the Bitcoin’, while Ewan Grist led the team representing Lidl against Tesco. Other notable names include Peter Brownlow, who co-leads the firm’s International IP Group, and Toby Bond, an AI expert who continues to develop the firm’s technology capabilities. Louise Sargeant is a strong choice for large-scale project work. Nick Aries re-joined the group from the firm’s San Francisco office, while Christopher De Mauny departed to the San Francisco office. Seasoned practitioner Robert Williams retired in May 2024.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 1

Commended for its ‘strong industry knowledge’, Bird & Bird LLP is well versed in AI, blockchain, digital regulation, and satellite projects. With over two decades of experience, Mark Leach is proficient in business process outsourcing and cloud computing. Ronald Hendrikx is often engaged in public and private sector innovation projects, while Roger Bickerstaff has expertise in technology infrastructure. Graeme Maguire often works in conjunction with the firm’s corporate, financing, and M&A practices on technology and communication matters. Ian Edwards’ practice encompasses blockchain, open-source licensing, and Saas, while Anthony Rosen is active in the digital media space.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport Tier 1

Heavily praised for its ‘knowledge and experience’, Bird & Bird LLP’s sports group leverages cross-departmental expertise in commercial, IP and dispute resolution issues, when tackling complex advisory, transactional and contentious matters for its blue-chip sports client base. The firm’s offering is diverse, covering doping violation claims, regulatory breaches in football, and major corporate financings for investors in the sporting field, with practice head Jonathan Taylor KC being an expert in representing both global and national governing bodies. Max Duthie specialises in handling disciplinary proceedings across the rugby and footballing spheres, Craig Giles is knowledgeable on media rights arrangements, while the ‘astute’ Robert Turner primarily focuses on shirt sponsorship agreements and commercial contracts. Andy Danson concentrates on data rights affairs, while Joss Hargrave and Richard Bush each stand out for their work in acquisitions and arbitrations. Lauren Pagé is noted for her contributions on governance issues, and Will Deller is a key contact for media rights affairs. Chris Lavey is highlighted for his insights into anti-doping proceedings, and both Emma Drake and Lereesa Easterbrook are also integral members of the practice.

Corporate and commercial > Commercial contracts Tier 1

As well as its ability to advise on a variety of commercial contracts, such as marketing contracts, supply chain matters, and joint venture agreements, Bird & Bird LLP stands out for its innovative use of technology and cyber solutions. The group utilises the firm’s global reach and access to knowledge across a range of practice areas to advise on multi-jurisdictional commercial contracts and regulatory issues related to these contracts. Simon Shooter, who is based in the UAE, heads up the team and specialises in data protection and cybersecurity matters, while Graeme Payne is regularly active in the retail and consumer industries. Nick Green combines expertise in the technology, retail and consumer sectors.

Corporate and commercial > Venture capital Tier 1

A ‘very responsive firm’ with considerable experience representing corporate investors, angel investors, and venture debt funds, the team at Bird & Bird LLP routinely assists clients in follow-on fundraisings and convertible loan note financings. Regularly handling early stage and growth financing rounds, the team stands out for its broad cross-sector focus, deploying specialists which cover financial services, healthtech, and sustainability spheres. Practice head Struan Penwarden chiefly focuses on complex venture debt transactions and equity investments, while Mark Rundall is a ‘quick communicator’ who concentrates on the financing and disposal of high-growth organisations. Other key figures include James Baillieu, an expert in the life sciences and tech sectors, and Adam Meisels, who assists both start-ups and scale-ups.

Crime, fraud and licensing > Gaming and betting Tier 1

Bird & Bird LLP‘s gambling team leverages the firm’s expertise in areas including regulatory, data protection, IP, corporate and tax, as well as its extensive international reach. Andy Danson spearheads the team, leveraging his strengths in regulatory and commercial work, and excels in regularly coordinating international regulatory advice from the firm’s international offices. Elizabeth Dunn has extensive experience advising on online gambling regulations and a broad range of gambling matters, including advising businesses on white label, supply, hosting, and payment processing deals. Robert Turner acts primarily for sports rights holders on their transactions with gambling processors, while Lucy Paterson has deep knowledge of both online and land-based gambling regulation as well as extensive experience advising on licence and change of control applications to the gambling commission.

Industry focus > Hospitality and leisure Tier 1

The multidisciplinary team at Bird & Bird LLP leverages its tech, data, IP and brand protection expertise to advise a host of well-known clients, spanning property owners, luxury hotel companies, and asset managers, as well as some of the largest restaurant chains in the domestic market, handling large share acquisitions, franchise agreements, real estate finance and consultancy service agreements, among other mandates. The team is steered by Karen Friebe who advises on real estate transactions, specialising in the acquisition, development and disposal of hotels, ranging from budget to luxury. James Salford advises on real estate and hotel finance, while Graeme Payne works with retail and consumer focused businesses on their domestic and international growth strategies. Matthew Vance is noted for his expertise in franchising, joint venture and management agreements, licensing and outsourcing issues.

Industry focus > Life sciences and healthcare Tier 1

Praised for its ‘superb knowledge of the industry’ Bird & Bird LLP  handles a wide range of work including IP, regulatory, transactional, and commercial law mandates. Mark Hilton co-heads the practice alongside Brussels-based IP expert Marc Martens. Hilton specialises in patent litigation and is active across areas such as high-value patent revocation and infringement proceedings and damages enquiries. Sally Shorthose is well-placed to guide life sciences clients through licensing, partnering and exploitation agreements. Morag Macdonald and Eleanor Root further extend the patent litigation expertise at the firm, while corporate specialist James Baillieu‘s expertise extends to venture capital financings and exits. Qualified barrister Chris De Mauny is a key member of the firm’s international patent group. Pieter Erasmus excels in regulatory matters relating to digital health and medical devices.

Industry focus > TMT Tier 1

Bird & Bird LLP‘s TMT offering is trifurcated into a tech transactions group, a media, entertainment and sport group, and a tech and communications group, advising clients on all manner of transactional, regulatory, and contentious matters, including copyright infringement litigation before the High Court. Each group has its own partner who leads the overall offering at the firm. Ronald Hendrikx specialises in communication projects across the public and private sector, with a particular flair for invention and development of client products. Mark Leach specialises in large-scale technology and business process outsourcing. Andrew Danson focuses on gambling and sports, and coordinates multijurisdictional regulatory advice. Phil Sherrell is a go-to name for litigation matters with a track record in high-profile disputes, while Kimberly Wells advises on complex, strategic technology and communications projects.

Risk advisory > Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity Tier 1

At Bird & Bird LLP, the large privacy and data protection team is ‘on top of cutting-edge trends‘. The group is noted for its sector-specific expertise in the advertising, financial services, pharmaceutical, luxury goods, sports, technology and telecoms fields, and consequently receives instruction from an impressive roster of household names in these areas. Ruth Boardman co-heads the firm’s international offering from the London office. James Moss utilises his previous experience as legal director of enforcement at the ICO to the benefit of his clients. Alex Dixie brings his ‘unique technical insights‘ to his role as head of the dedicated adtech practice. Gabriel Voisin and Elizabeth Upton are also key names in the department.

Industry focus > Retail and consumer Tier 2

A key port of call for blue-chip clients seeking trade mark and IP portfolio management, the team at Bird & Bird LLP operates across three sub-sectors - namely, food and beverage, luxury, fashion and retail, and hotels, hospitality and leisure - advising clients on multijurisdictional acquisitions, expansions and joint-ventures, as well as contentious mandates. The team is led by multijurisdictional specialist Graeme Payne, who advises consumer and retail clients on their domestic and international expansion strategies. Other key figures include commercial specialist Robert Turner, and Victoria Hobbs, who focuses on disputes concerning licensing and franchising, among other matters.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Advertising & marketing Tier 2

Bird & Bird LLP‘s advertising and marketing practice is notable for its work in adtech and comparative advertising matters. The adtech arm of the department is led by Alex Dixie, a go-to for mandates at the intersection of technology and advertising, who often advises on procurement, appointment and use of adtech platforms as well as media buying arrangements and data protection issues. The practice draws on its strong IP group to advise on potential IP infringements, and also showcases strength in sponsorships. Craig Giles, who focuses on sports media rights, co-leads the marketing practice, and handles pricing requirements and complaints before regulators. Will Deller is a key contact for advertising regulations related to the video games industry.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Digital content & social Tier 2

Alex Dixie heads up the social media practice at Bird & Bird LLP, which provides legal support to a wide range of technology, social media and video gaming companies. More recently, the team has been particularly active in mandates involving the metaverse, web3 and NFTs, and has advised several rights holders, licensees and tech providers on their digital projects. The practice head handles a mix of commercial disputes and regulatory work for social media platforms, digital publishers and broadcasters.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Film & TV Tier 2

The media, entertainment and sports practice at Bird & Bird LLP is a key destination for sports clients requiring assistance with film and TV matters, including financings, brand deals and the tokenisation of TV content. TV sports rights deals as well as advertising issues relating to film & TV productions are other areas of expertise for the department. Richard McMorris leads the broadcasting practice at the firm and is routinely instructed by sports clients seeking advice on a range of digital media, film and TV matters.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Media finance Tier 2

Bird & Bird LLP has a versatile media and entertainment practice that assists clients from across all media subsegments - including digital services, music, film, TV and sports. In the media financing space, the team stands out for its experience in global sports rights deals with major sporting associations and clubs. The group has also been actively advising clients on financial services regulations within the advertising sector. Simon Fielder heads up the media corporate team and specialises in equity financing and M&A transactions in this sector. With a strong presence in the media, entertainment and sports segments, Claire Barker handles media finance matters for lenders and borrowers, specialising in sports deals. Joss Hargrave focuses on international financing transactions, often assisting lenders and borrowers on acquisitions and football finance.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Video games Tier 2

Best known for its strength in tech-related matters, Bird & Bird LLP's media, entertainment and sports group advises video game companies on game developments, data regulation, as well as commercial challenges and opportunities. Focused on commercial and contractual matters, Will Deller assists with games publishing and development agreements, while Phil Sherrell specialises in media and IP law.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > PATMA: Trade mark attorneys Tier 2

Bird & Bird LLP is praised by one client for its ‘impressive depth of knowledge for all trade mark matters’. The group handles a wide range of brand management work in the trade mark space, including clearance, strategy, filing, prosecution, and litigation. Media, entertainment, computer games, sports, and retail are all areas of activity for the group and a growing area of interest for clients, which the firm assists with the use of AI in their products and services. Key names in the team include dual-qualified trade mark attorneys and solicitors Mark Holah and Allan Poulter. Christine Danos heads up the international product design filing practice, while Emma Green leads the firm's international wellness group, which supports newly established clients in the sustainability, food, women's health, and innovation industries.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Fintech: corporate and commercial Tier 2

Praised for its ‘approach to complex issues in the payments arena’, Bird & Bird LLP‘s fintech team is also strong across corporate transactions, the use of AI and data protection work. Regulatory expert Gavin Punia co-leads the practice alongside the ‘immediately reassuring’ Jonathan Emmanuel. Emmanuel’s far-reaching practice encompasses a range of technology transactions, frequently relating to the integration of APIs. Sanjana Sura focuses her practice on GDPR and e-privacy. Christina Fleming‘s expertise extends to mandates involving software built around, or interacting with, Layer 1 or Layer 2 blockchains.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Fintech: regulatory Tier 2

Bird & Bird LLP boasts regulatory expertise in the payments sector, including advising payment service providers on the continuing implications of Brexit for their business and projects that fall at the cross-section between payments and blockchain. Further key areas of strength include advice on the applicability of relevant regulation to new types of BNPL service structures and the implications of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act. Commercial partner Jonathan Emmanuel heads up the practice alongside regulatory experts Gavin Punia and Trystan Tether. Punia frequently brings his expertise to bear when giving regulatory and governance training to multinational payments clients, while Tether has a proven track record of advising on remote banking, electronic money and payment card schemes. Nassos Kalliris frequently helps clients in the payments and the e-money space with their FCA authorisation applications.

Transport > Aviation Tier 2

Bird & Bird LLP distinguishes itself by its abilities in handling 'complex technical cases' when advising airlines and aviation service providers on the implementation of new technologies into their operations. Paul Briggs is noted for assisting airlines in their modernisation and ESG initiatives, advising on the use of SAF, P2F conversions and the burgeoning eVTOL sector. On the contentious front, Sophie Eyre leads on repossession, redelivery and fraud matters, while also tackling proceedings arising out of insolvencies. Regulatory challenges are part of Simon Phippard‘s wheelhouse, covering engine performance issues and post-Brexit regulatory changes, with former Emirates in-house lawyer Hannah Moran-Ellis overseeing aircraft finance and leasing deals.

Corporate and commercial > Equity capital markets – small-mid cap Tier 3

Bird & Bird LLP’s team has a strong global footprint which allows it to advise on fundraises across the AIM and Main Market of the London Stock Exchange while also handling equity issuances in emerging markets across EMEA and Southeast Asia. The team is also well-placed to advise international clients on their UK listing activities, having been recently instructed by US-based client Microsalt to advise on its AIM IPO. Practice head Clive Hopewell regularly advises on the corporate finance and regulatory aspects of issuer- and underwriter-side ECM matters, while Simon Allport is a key contact for public takeovers and Fiona McFarlane frequently handles corporate reorganisations. In September 2023, the team was joined by Michael Dawes, an expert on equity transactions in emerging African markets formerly of Memery Crystal.

Corporate and commercial > M&A: Lower Mid-Market Deals, £100m-£750m Tier 3

Noted for its ‘expertise and personalised approach’ Bird & Bird LLP handles complex and multijurisdictional transactions for clients across a number of sectors, including technology, communications, energy, media, and life sciences, to name a few. Matt Bonass co-leads the international corporate team and is recognised for the breadth of his expertise, regularly working with energy, utilities, and technology businesses. The team also benefits from the knowledge of tech expert Neil Blundell who concentrates on transatlantic M&A deals, chiefly acting for US companies seeking to invest in the UK. On the media and entertainment front, Simon Fielder focuses on international M&A, joint ventures, and venture capital equity financing. Nick O’Donnell’s former experience working in the US and the UAE make him a go-to name for multinational technology, retail, and consumer businesses, as well as financial institutions seeking support for international acquisitions, disposals, and mergers. Specialising in equity financing and IPOs, Clive Hopewell leads the firm’s international capital markets group. His expertise also extends to cross-border M&A deals for clients in the financial services, energy and utilities, and mining and natural resources sectors. Other standout names in the practice include ‘trusted adviser’ James Baillieu, as well as Richie Lamb and George Mason.

Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: civil Tier 3

‘Identifying the important issues and strategy’, Bird & Bird LLP has significant asset tracing and recovery experience. The team represents state-owned entities, company groups, corporations and HNW individuals in claims concerning crypto and cyber fraud, unlawful means conspiracy, fraudulent mispresentation, deceit, collusion, and conspiracy to defraud investors. International and domestic fraud specialist Sophie Eyre is ‘excellent at analysing complex issues’; Jonathan Speed focuses on disputes in the technology and communications sectors; Simona Peter‘s track record includes several cases involving fraud allegations; and Russell Williamson‘s recent caseload encompasses cases of fraud, breach of confidence, and misuse of confidential information.

Employment > Employers Tier 3

Tim Spillane leads the employment offering at Bird & Bird LLP. Spillane has particular strength in advising on issues such as senior-level terminations, and trade secret cases. The practice covers the full spectrum of contentious and non-contentious employment law. It frequently works on an array of large multi-jurisdictional projects, and complex domestic disputes. Ian Hunter is recognised for his work on the full range of employment and HR issues. Alison Dixon has a strong employer practice. Furat Ashraf and Emily Clark were promoted to the partnership in May 2023.

Employment > Senior executives Tier 3

Bird & Bird LLP's workload regularly consists of advising senior partners of hedge funds, LLPs and leading accountancy firms on their entrance or exits. Tim Spillane leads the practice and is heavily involved in the team’s restrictive covenant and team moves work, while Jonathan Goldsworthy regularly assists senior executives with the negation of service agreements and exit arrangements.

Industry focus > Emerging markets Tier 3

Bird & Bird LLP focuses on finance and financial regulation in emerging markets, where it acts for commercial banks, alternative lenders, special opportunity lenders, and development banks in a variety of transactions, notably aviation, asset, energy, sports and Islamic finance. ‘Very sharp and versatile‘ practice head Andrew Hallgarth is a key adviser to DFIs, and recently handled loans totalling $250m to Egypt’s third-largest bank to strengthen its capital position and grow its climate finance business. Hallgarth is ‘business-oriented and can find innovative, smart and elegant solutions even to the most difficult issues‘.

Insurance > Product liability: defendant Tier 3

Bird & Bird LLP represents suppliers, distributors and manufacturers across a range of sectors, including technology, automotive, consumer electronics, luxury goods and medical devices, providing a full service for product liability matters. Jonathan Speed is adept at handling litigation in the automotive and tech sectors, including in relation to autonomous vehicles, and Russell Williamson is skilled in disputes and advising on potential risks and product recalls.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Infrastructure: Project finance and development Tier 3

Chiefly focusing on joint venture, development and procurement instructions, Bird & Bird LLP has a broad scope of activity in the infrastructure space, engaging with projects relating to transport, digital and telecoms, and defence. The group is headed up by Stuart Cairns, a highly experienced procurement specialist who advises public authorities, power producers and engineering and development firms on a range of projects, particularly airports. Andrew Hallgarth primarily focuses on project finance and has recently been active on a number of solar financings and refinancings, while Ronald Hendrikx leverages his tech expertise to advise a range of telecoms, sports, and tech companies on commercial and regulatory issues. Henna Malik has a growing body of work relating to transport infrastructure, while Tom Ward works closely with public authorities on matters pertaining to public law, procurement and subsidy control.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Mining and minerals Tier 3

Bird & Bird LLP provides a full service for its mining clients, advising on M&A, financing, exploration, construction and more across a wide range of jurisdictions. The firm has a strong IP practice, advising its mining major clients on their brand protection matters. Clive Hopewell spearheads the practice, specialising in international fundraisings and M&A, both public and private. A recent addition, Michael Dawes, bolsters the firm’s practice of acting on global transactions, with experience in emerging markets such as Africa.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Power (including electricity and nuclear) Tier 3

Bird & Bird LLP provides comprehensive advice across a wide spectrum of power-related matters. The team offers both transactional and regulatory guidance on clean energy generation, electricity supply, and nuclear power. Practice head Michael Rudd is a seasoned figure renowned for his expertise in complex projects across the energy, water, and climate change sectors, while Peter Willis specialises in regulatory and competition-related matters in the electricity market, providing key support to clients navigating complex regulatory frameworks. In January 2024, the team welcomed John Danahy, enhancing the team's capabilities across complex power projects, including nuclear, energy networks, and pipelines.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Renewables Tier 3

In the renewable energy sector, Bird & Bird LLP remains a trusted adviser to a diverse clientele, offering comprehensive guidance throughout the entire lifecycle of various wind and solar projects. This includes providing support from initial development stages to financing, acquisitions, and even trademark protection matters. A significant aspect of the firm’s work involves representing funders and project developers on a range of low carbon and renewable generation projects, as well as battery energy storage initiatives. Practice head Michael Rudd is a key contact for funders and project developers on numerous low carbon and renewable generation projects, while solar sector expert Matt Bonass is renowned for his expertise in renewable energy transactions. Elizabeth Reid has left the firm for an in-house position.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Music Tier 3

Bird & Bird LLP‘s music practice is led by Phil Sherrell, a well-regarded litigator who has handled high-profile copyright infringement cases in the music industry. In addition to its strong IP litigation capabilities, the group is also skilled in music catalogue acquisitions and licensing issues. IP specialist Rebecca O’Kelly-Gillard also plays a prominent role in contentious matters in the music segment.

Employment > Immigration Tier 4

The business immigration team at Bird & Bird LLP forms part of the firm’s international HR services group and incorporates employment, benefits and tax advice. The group advises on the full range of business immigration law and has unique sector-specific expertise in tech. Practice head Yuichi Sekine ‘leads his team to a very high standard‘ and is particularly knowledgeable in complex mobility and compliance issues, with a client base that includes governments, tech start-ups, unicorns and multinational companies. Jonathan Goldsworthy is another key contact and has expertise in the full range of business immigration issues.

Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers Tier 4

Working across the logistics, energy, and retail sectors, Bird & Bird LLP’s team is led by Jonathan Baker, who focuses on commercial property and the real estate elements of corporate and infrastructure projects. Peter Nicholson is recommended for his work on acquisitions, disposals, and landlord and tenant issues, particularly in the office, entertainment, and hotel industries. Lorna Young and Alexander Greenwood are proficient in real estate finance.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Reputation management Tier 4

Bird & Bird LLP‘s defamation and reputation management team excels in handling online reputation matters. With strong credentials in media litigation, Phil Sherrell – ‘hugely committed, technically excellent, and commercial with strong client management skills’ – is active in pre-publication issues and defamation cases. Tom Moore represents both claimants and defendants in reputation and crisis management mandates, handling cases from pre-action through to litigation.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax Tier 5

Bird & Bird LLP is particularly active on behalf of innovative clients in the energy and technology sectors, with experience advising those active in fintech, NFTs, and blockchain. Team lead Zoe Feller is regularly active across the UK and EU on behalf of clients, with a practice which includes corporate transactions and asset finance. Working alongside Feller are VAT specialist Caroline Brown, employment tax expert Andrew Rink, and Simon Gough, whose clients include financial institutions, funds, and corporates.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: premium Tier 5

The technology and data sectors are key focus areas for Bird & Bird LLP. The ‘brilliant’ team handles litigation arising from IT projects, as well as the full range of data privacy-related disputes. Sophie Eyre focuses on the aviation sector, including disputes with OEMs, engine manufacturers, suppliers, financiers and lessors. Eyre co-chairs the team alongside Jonathan Speed, who handles share purchase agreement claims, joint venture disputes and minority shareholder actions. Russell Williamson handles disputes stemming from commercial contracts and corporate relationships, while Simona Peter focuses her practice on the life sciences sector.

Finance > Bank lending: investment grade debt and syndicated loans Tier 5

Bird & Bird LLP provides a 'high standard of legal advice at a cost-effective price point' to a lender-focused client base addressing the needs of borrowers within the core areas of the firm's sector expertise, which include emerging markets and sports finance. For emerging markets, the 'very sharp and versatile' Andrew Hallgarth has an excellent reputation among development banks and multilaterals providing financing within these areas. For sports finance, team head Joss Hargrave has niche expertise, particularly in relation to financing for football clubs.

Finance > Transport finance and leasing Tier 5

Drawing upon a 'very wide knowledge of the aviation sector', Bird & Bird LLP is well placed to advise clients across commercial, operational and financing matters, often working alongside international offices. Despite now being in a consultant role, Paul Briggs 'continues to be a high-energy and creative presence in the team', often providing strategic oversight on some important matters including as they relate to sustainability issues. Leo Fattorini heads the team from Singapore.

Real estate > Construction: non-contentious Tier 5

With accredited experience in international data-related mandates, Marco Nicolai leads the construction team at Bird & Bird LLP and regularly advises on building contracts for data centre constructions. Under Nicolai’s leadership, the team also handles due diligence and security document drafting, as well as FIDIC, NEC, and JCT contracts. Sophie Phillips is another key contact.

Corporate and commercial > EU and competition Tier 6

Bird & Bird LLP‘s team is acclaimed for its ‘depth of knowledge across the team’, with expertise across a wide range of sectors including IP, sport, financial services, technology, energy, and retail. The practice regularly advises some of the world’s largest corporations on a broad spectrum of competition law matters, from merger clearances to national security considerations in acquisitions. Practice head Peter Willis boasts over 30 years of experience advising businesses on competition and regulation, having worked extensively in London and Brussels across multiple sectors. Ariane Le Strat stands out for her expertise in vertical supply chain arrangements, while Saskia King is described as a ‘star when it comes to competition advisory work.’

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 6

Bird & Bird LLP‘s London team leverages the firm’s IP strengths in arbitrations involving IP disputes. It also appears before a range of sports arbitral bodies. The international arbitration practice is led by Sophie Eyre, who regularly conducts arbitrations under the LCIA, AAA, UNCITRAL, DIFC-LCIA, ICC and WIPO rules. Jonathan Speed is experienced in IT, telecoms and financial services-related arbitrations, and Richard Bush and Max Duthie are both experienced sports lawyers. Former practice head Nicholas Peacock left the firm in April 2024.

Real estate > Property finance Tier 6

The international real estate finance team at Bird & Bird LLP is reputed for its hotel financing work, often advising clients on acquisitions and refinancings, among other transactions. Practice head James Salford's recent workload includes lender-side advice regarding a revolving credit facility for refinancing a London hotel. Jonathan Baker works with clients regarding both residential and commercial properties, particularly in the retail sector.

Finance > Corporate restructuring & insolvency Tier 7

Although it does handle some creditor and company-side work, the 'very experienced and client-centric' team at Bird & Bird LLP is perhaps best-known for its advice to office holders on insolvencies, where it adds value on the contentious and non-contentious front in matters occurring in firmwide areas of sector strength, including technology, financial services, aviation and retail. 'Outstanding' team head Joss Hargrave takes the lead on the highest-profile work and is noted for his 'commercial and user-friendly' approach.

Public sector > Healthcare

Investment fund formation and management > Listed funds

Employment > Employee share schemes

Public sector > Local government

Finland > Commercial, corporate and M&A