International law firm Bird & Bird announces the appointment of Chris Case as partner in the firm’s Sydney office, strengthening its capabilities in the Defence and Energy & Utilities sectors. Chris will join the partnership on 1 October 2025.
Chris joins the commercial team, bringing extensive experience in complex commercial and regulatory matters, particularly across defence procurement, infrastructure delivery, and strategic outsourcing.
His arrival marks a significant milestone in the firm’s continued growth in Australia, delivering sector led expertise to clients both domestically and internationally. Bird & Bird also welcomes Ebony Reckless as a projects associate in Sydney, supporting Chris Case. Ebony joins the Commercial team and will play a key role in delivering high-quality support across defence and energy mandates.
Chris Clarke and Rich Hawkins, co-heads of Bird & Bird’s Australia office commented: “Chris’s appointment is a major boost to our Australian team. His deep sector knowledge and collaborative approach will be invaluable as we continue to expand our work in Defence and Energy & Utilities. We’re excited to have him on board.”
Mark Leach and Jonathon Ellis, international co-heads of Bird & Bird’s Aviation and Defence Sector in London and Sydney respectively, added: “Chris brings a rare combination of technical insight and strategic acumen in defence matters. His experience advising on high-profile projects and navigating complex regulatory landscapes will be a tremendous asset to our global Defence sector group.”
Chris said: “Bird & Bird are at the cutting edge of the world’s most challenging issues from energy transition, security and technology intensive matters. The firm’s global platform and sector focus are a perfect fit to expand my practice, and I’m looking forward to further collaborating with colleagues across the globe to deliver exceptional client outcomes.”
