A key port of call for leading international telecoms providers and tech multinationals, Bird & Bird LLP handles a considerable workload, notably satellite and infrastructure projects in the telecoms field and tech disputes, AI, and digital regulation in the IT space. The practice is jointly steered by Mark Leach, who specialises in outsourcing and large-scale digital transformation projects, with experience across cloud, AI, and blockchain, alongside Ronald Hendrikx, who supports clients on IT and connectivity-led innovation projects, including national infrastructure programmes. Roger Bickerstaff‘s longstanding practice experience spans over two and a half decades, specialising in tech infrastructure, procurement, and digital transformation, with a particular focus on AI and public sector work. Graeme Maguire advises on complex international technology and communications transactions, drawing on broad regulatory expertise. Ian Edwards focuses on strategic technology deals, including cloud services, managed IT, and smart contracts. Ian Edwards acts on transformative technology and communications projects across sectors such as aviation and media. Kimberly Wells offers a wealth of experience in network infrastructure arrangements and tech transformation projects, while Anthony Rosen advises on regulatory and competition issues affecting the digital and telecoms industries.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Wealth of industry experience and in-depth understanding of our business means we receive practical and valuable advice. Extremely responsive.'
'Key individuals act as an extension to our in-house legal team. They are responsive, personable, and can be relied upon.'
- 'Ian Edwards is extremely responsive, detailed, and has a wealth of industry experience that he leverages to provide commercial and practical advice.'
- 'Kimberly Wells is an excellent technical lawyer. She has helped us draft and navigate incredibly complex agreements. She is very responsive and goes above and beyond to provide comprehensive advice.’
‘Ben Woodfield was a stand-out individual during our engagement who was both proactive and pragmatic throughout. His detailed knowledge of the contractual framework that we were negotiating on, paired with his experience of dealing with large customers, was invaluable for us in getting our agreement over the line.'
‘The team has an excellent understanding of the IT, telecoms and Tech industry. They are very practical in their approach and advice. They understand our needs as a client. They also provide excellent seminars and training sessions, such as webinars that are practical and not too theoretical.’
Key clients
- Allwyn Group
- Nokia
- Exponential-e Limited
- Stability AI
- BT
- Crypto Open Patent Alliance (COPA)
- Qlik
- Gamma
- Arm
Work highlights
Supporting Allwyn as it undergoes a major technology transformation programme, including implementing all of the IT services necessary for the operation of the National Lottery for a 10-year period.
Acting for the Nokia group in a dispute against Oppo for using Nokia’s mobile telephone patent portfolio without a licence.
Advised Exponential-e on the drafting and negotiation of a major data centre services contract with IBM UK Limited in connection with the UK Home Office's Emergency Services Network (ESN) programme to roll-out of new voice and data communications services to over 300,000 users in the police, fire and ambulance services.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners: IT
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
Roger Bickerstaff; Graeme Maguire; Ian Edwards; Anthony Rosen; Kimberly Wells; Jonathan Emmanuel; Will Bryson; Ben Woodfield; Astrid de Longvilliers