Bird & Bird Expands Middle East Presence with Addition of TMT Expert Nick O’Connell

Bird & Bird Expands Middle East Presence with Addition of TMT Expert Nick O’Connell

Bird & Bird has strengthened its presence in the Middle East by hiring a partner with expertise in data and technology, as part of its strategy to become the Gulf’s "leading international technology law firm."

Nick O’Connell, formerly a partner at Al Tamimi & Company where he led the technology, media & telecommunications (TMT) practice in Saudi Arabia, has joined Bird & Bird’s Dubai office. With over 15 years of experience in the region, O’Connell brings a wealth of knowledge in advising clients on both transactional and regulatory matters. He has been instrumental in supporting major tech investments and providing ongoing advisory services across the Middle East.

In his new role, O’Connell will continue to assist technology clients with their business needs across the region. Commenting on his arrival, Anders Nilsson, head of Bird & Bird’s UAE practice, said: “We are building strong momentum in the Middle East, and with Nick now on board, we have one of the region’s most respected data specialists. His extensive expertise and deep connections within the tech industry will greatly enhance our capabilities in the data and tech regulatory space.”

O'Connell’s addition brings the total number of partners in Bird & Bird’s Middle East offices, located in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, to nine.