Bird & Bird has brought on a partner specialising in data and technology as it looks to become the Gulf’s “leading international technology law firm“.
Nick O’Connell was previously at Al Tamimi & Company, where he was a partner and led the firm’s technology, media & telecommunications (TMT) practice in Saudi Arabia.
He joins Bird & Bird in Dubai, where he will support the firm’s technology clients on their business needs across the Middle East.
O’Connell brings over 15 years of experience in the region, advising clients on transactional and regulatory matters. He also supports clients on ongoing advisory projects, including major tech investments in the region.
“We are building strong momentum with our presence in the Middle East,” said the firm’s UAE head, Anders Nilsson. “Now with Nick on board, we have one of the region’s most highly regarded data specialists with an equally strong reputation in technology and communications.”
“Nick’s extensive expertise advising clients on a wide range of complex matters, combined with his strong connections in the tech industry, make him a great asset to the firm and will significantly build our expertise in the data and tech regulatory space in the Middle East,” he said.
His arrival brings the total number of partners across Bird & Bird’s Middle East offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to nine.
Al Tamimi did not respond to a request for comment by the time of publication.
Law firms have sought to build their regional data and technology capabilities amidst a backdrop of rapid technological advancements, including most recently Baker McKenzie, with the hire of Clyde & Co’s former Middle East TMT head, Dino Wilkinson in Abu Dhabi.
