With its expert knowledge of the industry, coupled with a capacity for ‘lateral and strategic thought’, the team at Bird & Bird attracts a broad spectrum of global and domestic clients. While it is well-equipped to deal with traditional media matters, the group particularly leverages its strong presence in the computer games industry and knowledge of sports media rights sales and acquisitions, the latter of which has been further cemented following the recent addition of sports law expert Brianna Quinn. The team is co-headed by Sophie Dawson, who has extensive experience in privacy, copyright and defamation law; and media lawyer Shane Barber, who is highly sought after by gaming businesses seeking regulatory aid.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Great team builders.'
- 'Lateral and strategic thought.'
- 'Rich Hawkins is sensible, doesn't over or under service, and is attentive to client needs. His former experience as a general counsel has clearly given him an excellent idea of what in-house counsel want and need.'
- 'Understood who we were, provided a practical response to resolve commercially.'
Key clients
- Nine Network Australia Pty Ltd, TCN Channel Nine Pty Ltd
- Take-Two Interactive Software Inc, RockStar Games, Inc
- Epic Games, Inc
- CJZ Pty Ltd
- Australian Police Journal
- Clarity Global
- Counter Ruck Fiji Pte Ltd (trading as the Fijian Drua)
- Pilgrim Media Group
- IMG Arena
- Riot Games
Work highlights
- Advised global communications and digital marketing agency, Clarity Global, on its acquisition of Australian public relations and strategic communications group, Sefiani Communications.
- Acting for Nine, and one of its journalists, in the defence of defamation proceedings concerning two broadcasts on A Current Affair, its flagship prime time current affairs programme.
- Advised a high-profile and multinational media company, in relation to its compliance with applicable privacy and data protection regulations in various jurisdictions including Australia.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Sophie Dawson, Shane Barber