Login
International firm confirms US expansion
An international law firm with a significant Australian presence, has announced it has expanded its offering to the United States.
Emma Musgrave
Bird & Bird has confirmed it has opened a representative office in downtown San Francisco, marking its first office in the US.
It will also focus on building the firm’s presence in the region and providing an ideal platform for working together with US partner firms, the statement explained.
As part of the expansion, Bird & Bird partner and co-head of the International Corporate Group Stefano Silvestri, has relocated to San Fran from Milan to head up the new office. Mr Silvestri is joined by IP partner Nick Aries, who has relocated from London.
Together, Mr Silvestri and Mr Aries are joined by new tech and comms partner Kai Westerwelle, as well as an unnamed senior associate from the firm’s Asia-Pacific offices in the coming months.
Further, senior partners Roger Bickerstaff and Ian Hunter will split their time between their London base and the new San Francisco office over the next few years to support the development of the office.
“The opening of our San Francisco office continues an exciting year of growth for Bird & Bird, following our cooperation agreement with top domestic Chinese firm, AllBright, and revenues increasing by 11 per cent 4th September, 201,” said Bird & Bird CEO David Kerr.
“Our firm vision, to be the number one law firm in the world for organisations being changed by technology or the digital world, is consistent with us having a presence in one of the most innovative, technology and IP-rich cities in the world.
“US companies’ business models face significant disruption from international regulation as they expand to or trade with Europe or the Asia-Pacific region, so our on the ground presence now allows us to be closer to our clients as they navigate these changes.
“Technology will naturally play a big part in our San Francisco offering with our relationship and matter management tools aiding our client service delivery.”
Emma Musgrave
Emma Musgrave (née Ryan) is the managing editor, professional services at Momentum Media.
Emma has worked for Momentum Media since 2015, including five years spent as the editor of the company's legal brand - Lawyers Weekly. Throughout her time at Momentum, she has been responsible for breaking some of the biggest stories in corporate Australia. In addition, she has produced exclusive multimedia and event content related to the company's respective brands and audiences.
Prior to joining Momentum Media, Emma worked in breakfast radio, delivering news to the Central West region of NSW, before taking on a radio journalist role at Southern Cross Austereo, based in Townsville, North Queensland.
She holds a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree from Charles Sturt University.
Email Emma on:
