Maria John

I am a senior associate in the international Corporate Group based in our Dubai office, specialising in private M&A, joint ventures and venture capital transactions.

My practice includes advising on complex private M&A (both buyside and sellside) across a range of transaction structures and jurisdictions, as well as joint ventures and corporate divestments. I also have strong experience in venture capital transactions, particularly in the Technology sector, advising both investor-side and company-side on fundraises at different stages of the lifecycle.

Given the international nature of many of my clients' operations, I regularly collaborate with colleagues across Bird & Bird's global network and coordinate with external counsel in multiple markets, including across the GCC, US and India.

I work across several of Bird & Bird's key sectors, including Technology, Retail & Consumer, and Media & Entertainment. This sector focus enables me to build deeper industry expertise and build long-term relationships with clients operating in these rapidly evolving markets. I am also a member of our firm's India Steering Group, where I have enjoyed contributing to our expansion and client development initiatives in this important growth market, which represents a strategic focus for the firm.

Having relocated to the UAE in 2024 after six years practising in London as an English qualified lawyer, I bring valuable experience of both the UK and Middle East markets, which proves particularly beneficial when advising on transactions spanning these jurisdictions. Prior to joining Bird & Bird, I trained at and worked at a Magic Circle firm in London, where I developed a strong foundation in handling complex, high-value corporate transactions.