Bird & Bird LLP > London, England > Firm Profile

Bird & Bird LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Corporate and commercial > Commercial contracts Tier 1

Frequently lauded for its position at the leading edge of technology and innovation, Bird & Bird LLP exercises a strong regulatory and digital offering to advise clients on commercial agreements and navigating business risk. With an extensive UK and global reach, the firm is able to act on a broad range of manufacturing, marketing, supply chain, and joint venture agreements, with a large presence in the sport, energy and infrastructure, and retail sectors. The firm offers considerable specialisation within its bench, with particular expertise pertaining to data, gambling and telecoms, further emphasised by department head Simon Shooter‘s proficiency in cybersecurity matters. Follow co-head Ian Edwards leads on a number of the team’s largest mandates, while Graeme Payne is the key contact for the group’s retail and consumer clients. Andy Danson is a first-choice expert for gambling-related commercial issues, whereas Robert Turner is chiefly noted for his sport-centric practice. Recently made partner Nick Green has been active on IP, trademark, logistic and supply chain agreements. Stuart Cairns is a significant driver for the firm’s global projects offering, with strong procurement capabilities.

Corporate and commercial > Venture capital Tier 1

The 'responsive and knowledgeable' team at Bird & Bird LLP has 'a strong understanding of the market', ensuring that it is a popular choice among investors and investees seeking and receiving funding throughout all stages of the investment life cycle, from "idea to exit". As well as the team's core venture capital expertise, both in London and across many of its international offices, clients also benefit from access to concomitant tech and life sciences-related IP and commercial expertise, of particular value to start-ups, in particular, as they scale up. 'Commercially astute' team head Struan Penwarden is 'very well-versed in the venture market', including in relation to venture debt matters, and is 'able to deal with all the various nuances that come up along the way'. James Baillieu is pivotal to the firm's success for investors (including corporate venturers) and companies within the biotech and healthcare sector, drawing upon a broad skill-set that includes financing, M&A, commercial and IPO expertise. The 'brilliant' Mark Rundall is 'very knowledgeable and commercially astute', traits with which he imparts to good effect for investors and high growth companies in the tech and energy sectors, in particular. The 'extremely dedicated' Adam Meisels, who was recently promoted to partner,  excels in cross-border transactions, particularly on matters with an Israeli nexus, where he has particular skill having previously worked in the country.

Crime, fraud and licensing > Gaming and betting Tier 1

The ‘pragmatic, commercial and knowledgeable’ team at Bird & Bird LLP pulls together a strong offering with licensing and regulatory mandates, work related to acquisitions and major sponsorship deals standing out as recent areas of activity for the firm. Rated by clients as ‘one of the leaders in the UK gaming law space‘, Andy Danson heads up the practice, and is currently leveraging his commercial and regulatory know-how to guide Allwyn through the transition process as the company prepares to become the UK National Lottery operator in February 2024. Elizabeth Dunn‘s broad practice extends to advising on gambling sponsorship arrangements. Robert Turner is an authority on international wagering rights agreements. Lucy Paterson, who joined from Harris Hagan in August 2022, further contributes to the collective licensing expertise at the practice.

Industry focus > Hospitality and leisure Tier 1

The multi-disciplinary, full-service hotels, hospitality and leisure team at Bird & Bird LLP has ‘unrivalled knowledge of the hospitality industry'. The team is well versed in advising notable clients, including Costa and Belmond, on franchising and management contracts, hotel finance, branding, data protection and employment work, and also fields a dedicated food and beverage sub-group. The practice is led by go-to hospitality and leisure practitioner, Karen Friebe, who is described as operating in a ‘league of her own', and specialises in high-profile M&A transactions, hotel management agreements and commercial property work. Focusing on franchising, distribution and supply chain agreements is Graeme Payne, who works with consumer-focused businesses. Highly experienced finance partner James Salford has knowledge of senior and mezzanine debt and preferential equity transactions, as well as hotel operating agreements. ‘Real top performer’ Matthew Vance is instructed by brand owners and shareholders, and has a broad commercial workload which spance franchising, joint venture and management agreements, licensing and outsourcing issues. Also of note is senior associate James Fowler, who regularly drafts, negotiates and reviews commercial agreements relating to hotels, and food and beverage consultancies.

Industry focus > Life sciences and healthcare Tier 1

The team at Bird & Bird LLP handles issues surrounding the classification of medical devices, clinical trials, and advertising with ‘outstanding‘ expertise. Regularly acting for biotech and pharmaceutical companies, the team is noted for advising both generic and innovator clients. Mark Hilton co-heads the practice with Sally Shorthose. Praised for his ‘practicality and thoroughness‘, Hilton has vast experience in patent revocation and infringement proceedings, while Shorthose has broad commercial knowledge, particularly in relation to series investments. The ‘excellent‘ James Baillieu is noted for his experience in assisting corporate venture capital groups with regulatory and technology related matters. Trevor Cook joined the group from Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP in October 2022, contributing his knowledge of pharmaceutical and biotech infringement issues.

Industry focus > TMT Tier 1

Bird & Bird LLP covers a range of matters from telecoms and IT to media and entertainment. Ronald Hendrikx specialises in communication projects across the public and private sector and co-heads the team with Mark Leach who is well-versed in outsourcing. Other co-head Andy Danson advises on commercial contracts in the gambling sector. Phil Sherrell has expertise on the application of copyright to all aspects of the media sector while Kimberly Wells acts for start-ups and multi-national. Roger Bickerstaff handles all issues relating to the software industry including licensing, cloud and distribution.

Risk advisory > Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity Tier 1

Noted for its ‘excellent experience and knowledge,’ the data protection and privacy team at Bird & Bird LLP acts for a wide range of market-leading clients on an international basis, with particular expertise in the technology, pharmaceuticals, media, and telecoms sectors. Ruth Boardman leads the practice and has extensive experience advising on the full range of data privacy issues, including dealings with data protection authorities and personal data breaches. Gabriel Voisin handles international data transfers and compliance projects. ‘Highly knowledgeable‘ legal director Elizabeth Upton is a key name for GDPR compliance and international data transfers, while senior associate Alex Jameson has a broad practice that covers compliance, employment-adjacent privacy matters, and novel issues such as AI. The team strengthened its enforcement, regulatory, and investigations practice with the March 2023 arrival of James Moss, the former legal director of regulatory enforcement at the ICO. Former practice co-head James Mullock left the firm in April 2023.

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

Bird & Bird LLP‘s franchising team is praised by clients as ‘first rate’, with members of the group being highly skilled in assisting clients with their global brand expansion through the use of franchising. The team’s offering extends across Europe, Middle East, and Asia Pacific, and it also boasts a franchising disputes specialism, which is led by the ‘exceptional’ Victoria Hobbs, who frequently represents clients in domestic and international litigation and arbitration proceedings. The practice’s impressive client roster includes companies from the food and beverage, retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors, in addition to healthcare, education, and green energy. Graeme Payne heads up the practice, and primarily advising consumer-focused businesses on their domestic and international expansion strategies. Nick Green - who was promoted to partner in  May 2023 - advises clients on distribution and agency agreements, in addition to hybrid growth strategies, manufacturing and warehousing.

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

Bird & Bird LLP’s expertise lies in the tech-centric sectors, routinely representing the largest global pharma, biotech and medical devices companies. Its work increasingly entails advising on the IP aspects of acquisitions, as well as the investment in or sale of businesses. Robert Williams and Rebecca O’Kelly Gillard lead the practice alongside Tom Snaith, who is well-versed in complex IP-rich transactions, including M&A, equity capital market and spin-outs, to name a few. Morag Macdonald provides clients with all forms of IP litigation and strategic advice, notably within an international cross border context, while Richard Vary is noted for his wealth of experience in the valuation of portfolios and FRAND. Another name to note is Katharine Stephens, who has considerable expertise in coordinating multijurisdictional patent litigation, as well as designing and implementing pan-European protection and enforcement programs. Christopher De Mauny strengthen the practice with his capabilities in handling hi-tech, life sciences and sustainable technologies. Toby Bond’s strengths lies in managing multi-jurisdictional patent disputes and developing litigation project management platforms. Jane Mutimear is also recommended.

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

The ‘fantastic’ team at Bird & Bird LLP advises on the use of AI and the protection and exploitation of clients’ digital assets, alongside a particular focus in the media, entertainment and sports arenas. The contentious trade mark and litigation practice, spearheaded by Peter Brownlow, is routinely involved in high-profile disputes, such as leading litigation strategy for Merck KGaA. Rebecca O’Kelly Gillard co-leads the firm’s international copyright and design group, and is well-versed in trade mark and copyright issues that have a digital or online focus. Tom Snaith and Robert Williams also lead this ‘quality’ practice. Phil Sherrell’s capabilities encompass litigation relating to content and brands, while Ewan Grist routinely assists clients with complex litigation, with notable expertise in protecting and enforcing innovative or high-tech product design and associated branding. Associate Louise Sargeant’s strengths include brand protection strategies and enforcement, and advising on ownership issues, among others.

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

Bird & Bird LLP has an excellent telecommunications offering and works closely with key players in the data centre industry on issues pertaining to 5G connectivity, security and satellites. In the IT arena, the team provides support across a range of sectors including financial services, defence, public and retail on disputes, copyright and corporate technology. Ronald Hendrikx is experienced in communications projects and co-heads the practice alongside outsourcing expert Mark Leach. Graeme Maguire is a leading regulatory lawyer, handling both financings and disputes, while Roger Bickerstaff is well-versed in all aspects of the software industry, including licensing, distribution and cloud. Ian Edwards focuses on commercial contracts, with support from Jonathan Emmanuel.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Film & TV Tier 1

Bird & Bird LLP‘s tech-driven practice is noted for its involvement in premium global TV sports rights deals, brand-related projects and advertising work in the burgeoning NFT market, in addition to the regulation of audio-visual media services for the likes of Bloomberg, Formula One and Nordic Entertainment Group. Broadcasting expert Richard McMorris handles large cross-border transactions, as well as commercial, content distribution, advertising and sponsorship arrangements; his team includes commercial associates Flora Baillie and Andrew Cox.

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

A number of UK and world governing bodies in sport – namely swimming, motorsport, athletics and horseracing bodies – call upon Bird & Bird LLP for advice on a host of regulatory matters, including anti-doping, transgender eligibility, nationality representations in world competitions, and novel sport issues.  Jonathan Taylor KC, head of the international sports group, and Max Duthie continue to work on ground-breaking mandates concerning evolving regulations and investigations for a range of governing bodies and elite league competitions in football, rugby, tennis and cricket. Craig Giles heads up the sports media rights practice, regularly working with the support of Robert Turner; the pair work on commercial contracts, licenses, and sponsorship deals, particularly in relation to rugby. Giles advises both media broadcasters and event rights holders across a number of sports. Turner is also a specialist in advising rights holders on the exploitation of sports data and audiovisual feeds. Andrew Danson heads up the firm’s global media, entertainment and sport sector group, while co-head of the international finance and financial regulation group Joss Hargrave focuses on football finance matters regarding stadium and project financing, player transfers, sports club restructurings and insolvency arrangements. Richard Bush and Lauren Pagé are the key names to note for contentious regulatory and investigatory matters, acting for a number of sporting governing bodies on disciplinary issues. Promoted to partner in May 2023, Will Deller leads matters involving NFT deals across a range of sports. Chris Lavey, Emma Drake and Lereesa Easterbrook are also recommended.

Corporate and commercial > Customs and excise Tier 2

Bird & Bird LLP offers advice around both contentious and non-contentious customs and excise matters, with a strong track record in handling tax disputes before HMRC for large domestic and international clients. From pre-emptive compliance, to investigations, civil litigation and defending criminal prosecutions, the practice offers broad expertise and is particularly well versed in cases pertaining to ‘sin’ taxes – those relating to alcohol, tobacco and gambling. Andy Brown heads the team with 25 years’ experience and has considerable experience of tax avoidance, evasion, allegations of fraud and disputes. Senior associate Chris Young advises on direct and indirect tax issues, and acts for clients in civil and criminal litigation, and the group was recently bolstered by the arrival of associates Jennifer Southern, who joined from an in-house role at HMRC in June 2022, and Caitriona Moran, who joined from William Fry LLP in September of the same year.

Corporate and commercial > M&A: Lower Mid-Market Deals, £100m-£750m Tier 2

Working across offices in Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East, the ‘fantastic team full of brilliant talent’ at Bird & Bird LLP focuses on mid-market, cross-jurisdictional matters, primarily in the life sciences, technology, energy, retail and consumer and sports sectors. Growing its concentration in the IP and digital, and natural resources spaces, the team has recently advised on a significant deal flow from US buyers. Practice head Matt Bonass - especially noted for his focus on the energy and utilities sectors - advises on public and private M&A, joint ventures, and private equity transactions. The ‘solutions focused’ Neil Blundell regularly acts for US companies on tech transactions. With experience as director and board member of digital media and technology companies, the ‘standout partner’ Simon Fielder is well-placed to assist with listings on UK stock markets, international M&A, and equity and debt financings. Drawing on his experience in the New York and Abu Dhabi markets, Nick O’Donnell has been instructed by private equity and corporate clients on M&A, public takeovers, restructuring and governance matters. Clive Hopewell’s practice encompasses equity financing, IPO and M&A mandates. Other key figures include the ‘superb’ Mark Rundall and James Baillieu advise clients on M&A and venture capital investments. Specialising in acquisitions and divestitures in the technology, communications, automotive and energy and utilities sector, the ‘organised and professional’ George Mason is also recommended.

Industry focus > Retail and consumer Tier 2

Graeme Payne leads Bird & Bird LLP’s ‘proactive and solution-oriented’ retail and consumer team, which comprises three sub-groups spanning the food and beverage industry; the luxury, fashion and retail industry; and the hospitality and leisure sector. Core areas of focus for the team include sustainability and green advertising, consumer issues, and retail-specific technology matters. Robert Turner is recommended for cross-border commercial transactions and regulatory compliance mandates, while Victoria Hobbs specialises in contentious work concerning franchising, licensing, and distribution agreements. Ian Edwards is the key name for tech transactions and has significant experience assisting commercial clients with the implementation of digital transformation projects. At the associate level, James Fowler advises on supply chain, franchising, and e-commerce agreements.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Power (including electricity, nuclear and renewables) Tier 2

Bird & Bird LLP‘s ‘incredibly experienced’ practice has Michael Rudd at its helm, who is experienced in handling complex commercial, regulatory and projects-related work across water, energy and climate change sectors. The team’s workload involves a broad-range of complex and cross-border work for key clients in the sector, including advising on low carbon and renewable generation projects, EPCs, construction and energy efficiency regulatory matters; its matters vary from trademark protection to significant sale and acquisitions. Matt Bonass and Elizabeth Reid, noted together as being ‘a market-leading team with a wealth of knowledge’, both have particular expertise in solar. Battery storage and digitalisation are key areas of focus for the team, which also has an increasing involvement with hydrogen-related work.

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

Praised for being ‘fully immersed in the industry’, Bird & Bird LLP‘s fintech practice is particularly strong across payment services, blockchain, open data and crowdfunding. The team combines expertise in commercial and regulatory work, disputes, tech outsourcing and IP. Disruptive digital technology expert Jonathan Emmanuel heads the practice and has longstanding experience of advising on complex technology outsourcing mandates. Electronic cash, cryptocurrency and payment mechanisms are all areas of expertise for Trystan Tether. Christian Bartsch has a proven track record in managing projects across multiple jurisdictions, while Gavin Punia has fostered particular experience in the regulation of digital wealth management services. Thomas Hepplewhite  and Christina Fleming are further key contacts.

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

With marketing and advertising co-head Craig Giles, senior associate Shona O’Connell‘s expertise in advertising and marketing law and regulations, and Simon Fielder‘s specialism in M&A transactions in the media sector, Bird & Bird LLP advises clients on all issues within the highly regulated world of marketing, offering a comprehensive service in advising on cross-border advertising campaigns in multiple territories, ranging from pre-clearance advice, content liability and defamation, to advertising-related disputes such as ASA complaints, sales promotions and loyalty programmes. Alex Dixie‘s focus is on international adtech, a practice that now spans some 20 countries assisting advertisers through to tech platforms and publishers.

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

Key names at Bird & Bird LLP include social media head Bryony Hurst, a litigation partner with an impressive track record of work for a raft of household name clients.

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

International finance and financial regulation co-head Joss Hargrave takes the lead on much of Bird & Bird LLP‘s media finance work; he advises lenders and borrowers on transactions with a strong media angle, ranging from acquisition finance, real estate finance and sports finance. Senior associate Claire Barker is a finance specialist on the intersection of sports and media.

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

Bird & Bird LLP's Phil Sherrell is a renowned litigator in the content and brands space, and has enormous experience handling high-value and high-profile trademark and copyright infringement litigation. He was recently appointed as head of the firm's London office after a number of years leading the international media, entertainment and sports sector group. The team also advises on complex catalogue acquisitions and other non-contentious matters encompassing the UK and wider European music sectors. Broadcasting head Richard McMorris and corporate transactional expert Simon Fielder are also names to note.

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

Bird & Bird LLP is a regular advisor on major corporate, data, IP, consumer and advertising mandates. Senior associate Will Deller heads up the practice, which continues to receive instructions in the burgeoning Web3 and Metaverse markets, as well as from traditional sports bodies seeking the team’s expanding esports expertise. Seasoned litigator Phil Sherrell is the first port of call for global gaming giants including Take Two Interactive and Epic Games.

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

In addition to the strong media, entertainment, and sports sector focus of the trade marks team at Bird & Bird LLP, the firm has seen an increase in instructions from clients in the retail and consumer, and tourism and travel sectors. The group boasts a mixture of trade mark attorneys and solicitors, and they work cohesively to provide clients with advice on prosecution matters and portfolio management. It is also highly experienced in handling a large volume of trade mark registrations. Mark Holah co-heads the team alongside Allan Poulter.

Transport > Aviation Tier 2

Marshalling its ‘good aviation industry knowledge,’ Bird & Bird LLP specialises in assisting clients undertaking innovative technological projects in the aviation sector, including advising on the integration of AI into critical systems. The firm also handles financing, project developments and other transactional matters for aviation clients, as well as litigation. Leo Fattorini leads the team out of Singapore and specialises in aviation transactions, while consultant Paul Briggs acts for airlines and lessors in relation to equipment detained in Russia and also original equipment manufacturer (OEM) issues. Sophie Eyre co-heads the firm’s dispute resolution team, acting on the full spectrum of contentious aviation matters; of counsel Simon Phippard advises airlines, suppliers and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) companies on contractual issues; and Stuart Cairns heads the firm’s international airports team, assisting with all aspects of airport operations.

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

The international capital markets practice group at Bird & Bird LLP benefits from the reach of the wider international corporate group, advising on a wide array of cross-jurisdictional capital markets transactions, including listings on both AIM and the Main Market of the LSE. IPOs, secondary fundraisings, public and private takeovers, and restructurings are key specialisms of the ‘very professional team’. The practice is headed up by Clive Hopewell, who focuses on equity financings and IPOs and is noted as a ‘fantastic operator, who as well as being a great lawyer is also very commercial’.  

Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: civil Tier 3

The team at Bird & Bird LLP is well versed in dealing with civil and criminal fraud related matters, conducting discrete investigations from crypto and data breaches to bribery, asset tracing and recovery. Sophie Eyre, acclaimed practice head, specialises in ancillary relief applications to preserve documents and assets, as well as issues surrounding the theft and misuse of trade secrets; she is also particularly knowledgeable about the trust issues that arise from fraud claims. The team is also home to Simona Peter, who acts for both defendants and claimants and holds expertise in asset recovery and freezing orders, and Russell Williamson who acts for high-profile clients within the sports, media, retail & consumer and automotive sectors.

Dispute resolution > Tax litigation and investigations Tier 3

Bird & Bird LLP advises clients on the full spectrum of contentious tax matters, including investigation projects, alternative dispute resolution, civil litigation, and criminal prosecutions. Team lead Andy Brown specialises in tax avoidance, evasion, and allegations of fraud. Senior associate Chris Young advises corporates and private clients in disputes related to money laundering. The department has seen recent growth at the associate level, with Jennifer Southern joining from HMRC in June 2022, and Caitriona Moran moving from William Fry LLP in September 2022.

Employment > Employers Tier 3

Bird & Bird LLP is known for its capabilities in representing international clients operating in Europe. The firm also has a notable specialism in employment work within the tech sector, as well as offering a high degree of experience in the aviation and life sciences fields. The team is led by Tim Spillane, who has particular expertise in advising on senior-level terminations and restrictive covenant and trade secrets matters. Also integral to the team is Ian Hunter, who is recommended for cross-border restructuring advice. Further key members of the practice include employee retention schemes expert Elizabeth Lang and Alison Dixon, who is experienced in TUPE-related work and stands out for her specialist knowledge of the healthcare, aviation, defence and life sciences sectors.

Employment > Senior executives Tier 3

Bird & Bird LLP handles a range of disputes in the financial services sector, as well as assisting with cross-jurisdictional contract termination and corporate reshuffling. The team is spearheaded by the ‘clever and pragmatic’ Tim Spillane, who leads on exit negotiation cases regarding sex and race discrimination. Jonathan Goldsworthy specialises in negotiation strategy and Employment Tribunal claims, while legal director Penny Hunt has expertise in sensitive litigation and regularly handles contentious departures.

Industry focus > Emerging markets Tier 3

The finance and financial regulation practice at Bird & Bird LLP is known for provide high-quality advice to commercial banks alternative lenders, special opportunity lenders and development banks on a wide variety financings, including aviation and asset finance, energy finance, Islamic finance and sports finance. Lead partner Andrew Hallgarth is a key adviser to long-term client EBRD, and his recent work includes advice on its original investment in the creation of a Moroccan company to hold and develop commercial property, and the admission of EBRD as a key strategic investor in North African retail property developer Aradei Capital, as well as a partial exit and the restructuring of shareholder rights following its IPO.

Insurance > Product liability: defendant Tier 3

Bird & Bird LLP works with clients through the life-cycle of products from its initial concept and design phase through to its supply, use and disposal. The firm supports designers, manufacturers, importers, distributors and suppliers. Jonathan Speed focuses on disputes in the automotive and tech sectors. He co-heads the team with Russell Williamson who is experienced in cross-border insurance coverage disputes across both litigation and arbitration.

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

A leading player in the tech space with a considerable international reach, Bird & Bird LLP provides clients with a full service that spans ESG, digitalisation and regulatory issues. Key areas of expertise include major defence work, airport developments, hospital expansions, power stations and transport links procurement. Stuart Cairns co-heads the International Projects and Procurement Group, and has been active on a wide range of projects including local authority procurements, education developments, and street lighting and intelligent transport system schemes. Roger Bickerstaff has expertise in commercial and EU procurement law issues, while Elizabeth Reid is noted for her work with defence- clients and experience working on submarine developments. Mark Leach handles the data piece on major infrastructure projects of all types. Henna Malik works across a range of projects matters for both public and private sector clients.

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

Bird & Bird LLP provides a full service offering to mining companies, frequently advising on the full life-cycle of mining projects across the globe. Financing, M&A transactions, exploration licences, restructurings and IP issues are among the core competencies of the team in the space. ‘Fantastic operator’ Clive Hopewell solely leads the team.

Public sector > Healthcare Tier 3

Known for its expertise in and focus on technology-related work, Bird & Bird LLP handles a myriad of matters, including international healthcare projects, public and private sector partnerships, and investment within the sector. The team shows great aptitude for handling data protection matters for life sciences entities. Mark Hilton jointly co-heads the practice alongside Sally Shorthose, who has broad knowledge of IP transactions and life sciences regulation. David Ayers has longstanding experience in delivering healthcare projects relating to pathology services and data protection. Senior associate Ben Woodfield focuses on assisting clients with IT contracts and intra-NHS arrangements.

Employment > Immigration Tier 4

Bird & Bird LLP prioritises bespoke immigration services for key clients over high-volume work, and has developed a strong specialisation in advising clients in various sectors within the wider tech industry; the firm advises a number of major multinational clients, but the firm’s core clients are innovative businesses operating in fintech, videogames, AI, medicine, and telecoms. Legal director Yuichi Sekine heads the practice, and is experienced in acting for tech-focussed start-ups, unicorns, and established multinationals, reflecting the focus of the wider firm. Jonathan Goldsworthy is noted for his strength in assisting US companies wishing to relocate key talent to the UK or EU.

Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers Tier 4

Bird & Bird LLP supports a range of blue-chip companies on landlord and tenant matters, development projects, lease negotiations, as well as purchases and sales. Jonathan Baker leads the practice and handles the real estate aspects of corporate and infrastructure projects, while James Salford is a reputed figure in the leisure and hospitality sector, and is also particularly proficient in real estate and hotel finance matters. Peter Nicholson is knowledgeable of acquisitions and disposals, developments and investments, in addition to tax restructuring. Lorna Young and Alexander Greenwood are also key contacts in the group.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax Tier 5

Bird & Bird LLP fields a team with a strong sector focus, emphasising the energy, fintech, and retail industries. Team lead Zoe Feller specialises in corporate, asset finance and structured finance transactions, and is described as ‘simply brilliant’ by clients. Other core team members include legal directors Caroline Brown and Simon Gough, as well as associate Andrew Rink.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: premium Tier 5

With ‘smart, savvy, and creative’ Sophie Eyre  and ‘excellent and experienced’ Jonathan Speed at its helm, the team at Bird & Bird LLP is committed to acting on  precedent-setting data and tech-related disputes, and is frequently involved with complex and innovative IT projects and their related disputes. The recent high-profile Tulip Trading case, a key case in the cryptocurrency and blockchain space, is indicative of the team’s strengths, with Eyre leading the team that included associate Priyan Meewella. At associate level, Simona Peter and Russell Williamson are both also noted.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 5

Bird & Bird LLP‘s 'leading disputes practice' stands out for arbitrations involving disputes over IP licensing. The team also has considerable expertise in sports arbitrations. Sophie Eyre has particular expertise in aviation, commercial life sciences and energy disputes, as well as matters involving fraud allegations; Nicholas Peacock is a commercial and investment arbitration specialist; Jonathan Speed acts in large-value IT, telecoms and financial services sector arbitrations; and Richard Bush appears before various dispute resolution forums, both domestically and abroad.

Finance > Transport finance and leasing Tier 5

Although it currently has less pure asset finance-focused practitioners based in London, Bird & Bird LLP has ‘excellent all-round coverage’ within the aviation sector, including on operational matters, regulatory and disputes. Of counsel Paul Briggs ‘displays a high level of professionalism and excellent oversight’, and has deep aviation sector knowledge developed through his many years in private practice and in-house at BAE Systems. Briggs has recently been particularly active advising on passenger to freighter projects, and has also had considerable input, along with the firm’s insolvency offering, on restructuring mandates.

Real estate > Construction: non-contentious Tier 5

Under the leadership of Marco Nicolai, Bird & Bird LLP advises contractors, specialists and consultants on a range of projects, including European data centres and logistics projects. The team offers guidance on development financing projects and construction contracts and handles large-scale property and infrastructure projects both in the UK and internationally.

Real estate > Property finance Tier 5

Particularly known for its work in the hotel finance and data centre finance sectors, Bird & Bird LLP is well-equipped to handle senior, mezzanine and preferential equity structures on both investment and development finance transactions. James Salford and Jonathan Baker are its key partners.

Corporate and commercial > EU and competition Tier 6

The team at Bird & Bird LLP is praised for providing ‘swift and practical advice’ with a ‘personal touch’ across a wide array of sectors, including IP, sport, financial services, technology, energy and retail. The practice is regularly instructed by some of the world’s largest corporates on broad range of competition law matters encompassing merger clearances and the national security aspects of acquisitions. Practice head Peter Willis has 30 years’ experience of advising businesses on competition and regulation, in both London and Brussels, spanning multiple sectors. ‘Stand-out’ Ariane Le Strat is noted for her expertise in vertical supply chain arrangements. Legal director Saskia King is a key figure within the practice who is highly regarded for her proficiency in handling a range of antitrust enforcement matters.

Finance > Bank lending: investment grade debt and syndicated loans Tier 6

Although it does not handle a great deal of conventional investment grade work, Bird & Bird LLP provides ‘a cost-effective service at the very highest standards’ to a lender-focused client base in core areas of firmwide sector strength. Drawing upon his ‘broad and deep legal knowledge’, Andrew Hallgarth has niche expertise advising development banks and multilaterals on the financing to facilitate emerging markets-related energy and infrastructure matters. Team head Joss Hargrave is particularly skilled at advising on sports finance matters.

Finance > Corporate restructuring & insolvency Tier 7

The ‘technically strong, entrepreneurial and dynamic’ team at Bird & Bird LLP provides ‘cost-effective and responsive’ advice to officeholders, investors and creditors in restructuring situations within firmwide sector strengths including sports, financial services, energy and aviation. ‘Commercially astute’ team head Joss Hargrave provides ‘commercial advice not just legal opinions’ and is a very popular choice among IPs in relation to UK mid-market insolvencies.

Investment fund formation and management > Listed funds

Public sector > Local government

Finland > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 2

Bird & Bird‘s corporate department fields experts in transactional mandates, leveraging corporate, commercial and regulatory knowledge to assist with all business strategies and challenges, often involving cross-border elements. Group head Maria Carlsson is focused on cross-border private M&A and has expertise in the technology and media, infrastructure and transport, and real estate sectors. Mikko Ahonen has strong experience in private equity mandates, advising Finnish and international private equity investors, as well as publicly and privately held companies on domestic and cross-border transactions; while Matti Kuokkanen advises on M&A transactions and day-to-day commercial and corporate matters. Iina-Mari Supper was promoted to partner in May 2023.