Partner, Bird & Bird | SCL Chair
SCL Leading Accredited IT Lawyer
I am a partner in the Tech Transactions team in London. I have over 26 years’ experience advising on complex business-critical technology transactions and digital projects and the legal issues relating to the development and deployment of technology. As a specialist in tech transactions, my practice focuses on complex cloud, outsourcing (IT and BPO) and digital transformation deals, as well as strategic technology systems implementation, development and licensing arrangements. I act for both customers and suppliers, which informs my practical business-focused approach to deals.
I also regularly support clients to navigate technology regulation and the international roll-out of new tech-based products and services, working closely with my international colleagues.
A key element of my practice involves advising clients on the key legal and regulatory issues arising from the development and deployment of emerging technologies including AI, blockchain and digital assets, with particular experience advising clients on the implementation of responsible AI governance programmes and AI contracting.
I also provide strategic counsel on the technology and commercial aspects of M&A transactions, including negotiating high-value ancillary and transitional agreements in connection with acquisitions, disposals, carve-outs and joint ventures.
I work with clients across a range of industry sectors, including technology, financial services, retail and consumer and life sciences. My clients include some of the world’s best known tech companies and multinational corporations. I also enjoy working with growth companies.
I have deep experience in the financial services sector, having advised a range of financial institutions, fintechs and technology suppliers to the financial service sector over my career and spent time on secondment with Goldman Sachs, Lloyds Banking Group and Quilter. Prior to joining Bird & Bird, I co-led my previous firm’s financial institutions group in EMEA and co-chaired the fintech practice in London. I am on the editorial board of the Journal of Digital Banking and was recently included in the Innovate Finance Women in Fintech Powerlist Hall of Fame.
I am ranked in Chambers for Information Technology & Outsourcing, Commercial Contracts and FinTech Legal, in Legal500 for IT & Telecoms, Fintech: corporate and commercial, TMT, Commercial Contracts and AI and in Lexology Index for IT, FinTech and Blockchain.
I am the Chair of SCL and founder of the SCL Women in Tech Law network.