International law firm Bird & Bird strengthens its Corporate and Commercial practices with the hire of two more partners into its Brussels office. Information technology expert Benjamin Docquir joins the Commercial team and M&A specialist David Du Pont joins the Corporate team. David also brings with him Counsel Clément Dekemexhe.
Benjamin Docquir
Benjamin’s expertise encompasses technology law, data privacy and digital regulation. His practice is a mix of transactional, advisory and contentious work for both international and Belgian clients, supporting them as they digitalize their business. He is a recognised expert in data protection and digital regulation, with hands-on experience in the Tech & Comms, Life Sciences & Healthcare and Financial Services industries. His practice covers the use of algorithms and artificial intelligence, big data and data sharing, international data transfers, and other regulatory challenges. Benjamin also has litigation experience and represents clients in front of the data protection authorities.
David Du Pont
David advises clients across a range of sectors, including Tech & Comms, Retail & Consumer, and Energy & Utilities, and has particular expertise in corporate real estate. He supports businesses on acquisitions, divestures, management buyouts, private equity (PE) transactions, setting up joint ventures, and both cross-border and domestic corporate real estate transactions. In addition, David advises a wide range of trade associations on corporate and governance matters.
These latest two hires follow another double partner hire into the Brussels office last month when chemical regulatory experts Claudio Mereu and Natalie Konings joined the firm. These hires are a testament not only to the significant expansion of the Brussels office, but also to the ambitious growth pillar of the firm’s five-year strategy.
Anne Federle and Paul Hermant, co-heads of Belgium at Bird & Bird, comment: “Benjamin and David’s arrival, which marks the third and fourth partner hire in Brussels this year, will strengthen our offering in Brussels. Benjamin brings a wealth of IT and data experience which naturally aligns with Bird & Bird’s focus on technology and the digital world. And David will be an asset to clients looking for support on their real estate, corporate and M&A matters, and will help us better cover the Flemish market. This is an exciting time for the Brussels office, and we’re delighted to welcome our new team members.”
Benjamin comments: “Collaboration across practices and countries has always been central to my approach to client service, and Bird & Bird’s established culture of collegiality and its One Firm approach resonates with my belief that working together is the key to excellent client service and a successful business. The firm’s sector expertise also complements my focus on delivering solutions that are tailored to the client’s business. I’m very excited to join the team!”
David adds: “With the M&A market picking up again in Belgium, as well as tech and cyber due diligence becoming increasingly more important given the impact of new technologies like AI, I’m delighted to be joining Bird & Bird’s international Corporate Group.”
