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.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Puts together the right-sized international team to work seamlessly and efficiently on complex cases.’

  • ‘A team that is completely hands on and has a very good commercial understanding of clients’ interests.’

  • ‘Gives very practical, but legally correct, solutions.’

  • ‘Very practical - a superb team.’

  • ‘Very skilled and proactive team - knowledge of business practices and very strong in strategy evaluation and comparison.’

  • ‘Sophie Eyre is unique for her ability to analyse and put in place arguments and robust strategies.’

  • ‘Sophie Eyre is very proactive and client focused.’

  • ‘Tom Darvill is superb.’

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Sophie Eyre

Other key lawyers

Jonathan Speed, Richard Bush, Max Duthie, Simona Peter, Tom Darvill, Russell Williamson, Sam Beer