International law firm Bird & Bird announces that Sydney partner Bill Smith has relocated to the UAE to head Bird & Bird's Dispute Resolution practice in the Middle East. Bill initially joined Bird & Bird's Sydney office in October 2024 as part of a planned transition that would see him ultimately relocate to Dubai.
Bill has been advising clients in the MENA region for almost 15 years, having previously worked in the in Dubai office of two leading international firms. His Middle East practice focuses on advising and representing businesses engaged in complex disputes, particularly in the aviation, technology, energy and infrastructure sectors. He has extensive international experience, with an arbitration focus, gained through working across a range of diverse jurisdictions while practising abroad for more than half of his career.
Bill brings particular expertise to Bird & Bird's construction practice in the Middle East, where his experience working on major projects across various sectors, including transport, property, tourism, energy, mining, defence, healthcare, IT, and telecommunications, will enhance the firm's ability to serve clients in the region's dynamic construction and development sectors.
Bill's relocation will further strengthen the collaborative relationship between Bird & Bird's Middle East and Sydney offices, ensuring seamless cross-border support for clients with interests spanning both regions.
Anders Nilsson, Managing Partner of Bird & Bird Middle East, comments: "Bill's arrival in Dubai represents a significant strengthening of our dispute resolution capabilities in the region. His unique combination of international arbitration expertise, deep understanding of construction disputes, and recent experience working within our Australian operations makes him perfectly positioned to serve our Middle Eastern clients whilst maintaining our strong ties with Australia. This appointment underscores our commitment to building a truly integrated international disputes practice."
Bill Smith adds: "I'm delighted to be heading the Middle East practice and bringing my experience full circle back to the region. I understand the unique challenges and opportunities in the regional market. The opportunity to work closely with both our Middle Eastern and Australian colleagues, whilst serving clients across these dynamic markets, is exactly the kind of cross-border collaboration that makes Bird & Bird such an exciting place to work. I look forward to contributing to the continued growth of our dispute resolution and construction practices in the region."
The appointment forms part of Bird & Bird's continued strategic expansion across its international network, building on the firm's recent growth in both Australia and the Middle East.
