A guide to the law firm Bird & Bird: what it’s best known for, recent work highlights, what it pays, and its revenue and profitability.
Bird & Bird is a large international law firm based in London.
Also known as ‘Two Birds’ in the industry, the firm is renowned as an IP, technology and media specialist (it was considered the UK’s first technology, media and telecoms (TMT) specialist), with less of a focus on the corporate and finance work of many City rivals.
Bird & Bird has a storied history that stretches back to the mid-19th century. Formally established in 1846 by two solicitors, the firm became known as Bird & Bird when a cousin of one of the founding partners joined what was already one of London’s leading law firms in 1901.
At the time, the firm was already renowned for its intellectual property work. It won its first patent case in 1901.
Throughout the 20th century, Bird & Bird expanded its expertise beyond intellectual property to encompass a broader range of legal services, including commercial, dispute resolution, corporate, and finance law. This diversification was part of a strategic vision to cater to the evolving needs of clients, particularly in technology and media.
The 1990s and early 2000s marked a period of significant international expansion for Bird & Bird.
Recognising the importance of offering cross-border advice, the firm embarked on a series of mergers and partnerships that extended its footprint beyond the UK. In the 2000s, it opened offices in France, Sweden, The Netherlands and Germany, among others.
Mergers included 2008 combinations with a leading Finnish firm and with London firm Lane & Partners, and a tie-up with leading Australian firm Truman Hoyle in 2014.
Today, Bird & Bird boasts over 30 offices across Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and North America. It has more than 1,400 lawyers, including 300+ partners.
While it is primarily known for its IP and technology practice, Bird & Bird is also known for its strengths in dispute resolution, and mid-market Corporate/M&A and banking and finance.