Bird & Bird

Business Model and Services

Bird & Bird operates as a full-service international law firm with a pronounced specialisation in sectors driven by technological change. Its core practice areas include corporate & M&A, dispute resolution, intellectual property, data protection & privacy, employment & pensions, real estate, tax, and regulatory compliance. The firm's sector focus covers technology & communications (advising on cloud computing, AI, blockchain, and telecoms), energy & utilities (renewable energy project finance and M&A), life sciences & healthcare (regulatory, licensing, and commercial agreements), financial services (fintech, payments, and insurance), and aviation & transport (fleet leasing, regulatory, and liability matters). The firm generates revenue through hourly billing, fixed-fee arrangements, and success-based fees, serving clients ranging from startups to multinational corporations.

Market Position and Recognition

Bird & Bird is consistently ranked in leading legal directories. In the 2025/2026 Clean Energy Legal Advisers Report, it was named the Most Active Legal Adviser in both Clean Energy Project Financing and M&A by deal volume. The firm is also recognised as a leader in technology and life sciences by Legal 500, Chambers & Partners, and IAM Patent 1000. Its international reach is supported by the Bird & Bird Plus network of local law firms in jurisdictions where it does not have its own offices, and by a strong Latin America practice managed from Madrid and London covering 17 countries. The firm's client retention is high, with over one-third of clients staying for more than a decade.

Recent Developments and Innovation

The firm's commitment to innovation is reflected in its LegalTech & Innovation team, which developed and globally rolled out Legora in February 2025. This platform aims to optimise legal service delivery through automation and data-driven insights. Financially, Bird & Bird has reported 33 consecutive years of revenue growth. Under CEO Christian Bartsch (since April 2022), firm revenue increased by 28% over three years, with an average annual growth rate of 9%. New offices opened in Tokyo (2024), Riyadh (2025), and Lisbon (2025), expanding its global footprint. The firm also publishes an annual Digital Innovators Power List in partnership with City A.M., highlighting innovative companies in the technology space. Leadership is provided by a partnership-elected CEO and a Board chaired by Graeme Maguire, with Simon Hughes appointed as Chief Operating Officer in 2025.