Bird & Bird LLP maintains a broad and well-structured TMT practice, split into distinct teams covering tech transactions, media and sport, and telecoms, with each group led by a dedicated partner. The firm is active across the full spectrum of TMT work, including advisory, regulatory and litigation matters such as High Court copyright claims. Ronald Hendrikx is noted for advising on telecoms issues across both public and private sectors, often guiding clients through innovative product development. Mark Leach leads on complex outsourcing arrangements, while Andrew Danson focuses on sports and betting regulation, including cross-border affairs. Phil Sherrell handles contentious matters and has deep experience in IP-related litigation. Kimberly Wells supports clients on strategic tech and communications initiatives. The practice also welcomed Andrew Dean from Clifford Chance in late 2024, while Emma Drake was promoted to partner in May 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Responsive, client-focused, provide commercial and practical advice.’
‘Key individuals act as an extension to our in-house legal team. They are responsive, personable, and can be relied upon.'
- 'Kimberly Wells is an excellent technical lawyer. She has helped us draft and navigate incredibly complex agreements. She is very responsive and provides comprehensive advice.’
- 'In-depth knowledge of industry and experience working on huge value transactions.'
- 'Mark Leach understands the commercial imperatives and takes a pragmatic approach to his advice.'
Key clients
- Activision Blizzard
- Allwyn
- Epic Games
- Football Association
- Guinness Six Nations Rugby
- Macquarie Bank
- Nando’s
- Nokia
- TikTok
- TuneIn, Inc.
- UK Radioplayer
Work highlights
Acting for TuneIn in the litigation brought against it by Sony Music and Warner Music.
Represented COPA in a high-profile litigation against Craig Wright regarding the authorship of the Bitcoin White Paper, resulting in a UK High Court ruling that Wright was not Satoshi Nakamoto, a subsequent worldwide freezing order against him, and the refusal of his appeal.
Advised Allwyn on the transition phase for its takeover of the UK National Lottery operations starting 1 February 2024 and continue to support its major technology transformation programme, negotiating complex IT and outsourcing contracts with key partners such as SGI, Vodafone, and others.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Mark Leach; Ronald Hendrikx
Other key lawyers
Andrew Danson; Phil Sherrell; Kimberly Wells; Andrew Dean; Emma Drake