Corporate and commercial
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
Mentions
Profile
Position
Partner
Career
I'm a partner in Bird & Bird's Tech Transactions team in London, advising clients on digital transformation projects and complex technology contracts.
With over 20 years' experience in the tech industry, I advise on all types of tech transactions, including cloud/SaaS, ICT/BPO outsourcing and AI projects, with a particular focus on strategic and transformational projects.
I support clients from a wide range of industry sectors, with a particular area of interest in retail tech and sports tech.
I have been advising on legal issues in the AI sector for many years, with a particular focus on how tech contracting needs to evolve to deal with the unique opportunities and risks of AI.
Innovation is at the core of my practice, whether that is advising on emerging technologies or helping our clients to successfully implement disruptive technology within their business.
I bring strong project management skills and a pragmatic, commercial approach to every engagement. I pride myself on guiding clients through the full project lifecycle, from initial strategic planning through to implementation and launch. Clients value my collaborative, hands-on style in simplifying legal complexity and advancing their digital transformation.
Content supplied by Bird & Bird LLP
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.’
‘Bird & Bird team members are highly competent, friendly and a pleasure to work with. They always deliver on time and meet our expectations. Stand-out individuals include Ronald Hendrikx, Ben Woodfield, Jan Ussing Andersen and Kimberly Wells.'
'Special mention to Astrid de Longvilliers who also put in a significant amount of time and effort in assisting us with our engagement and providing fantastic support.’
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.