International law firm Bird & Bird has announced that it will open its first Irish office, in Dublin, this summer.

The firm described the Dublin move as “a natural next step”, as the city hosted the European headquarters or significant operations of some of the world’s largest technology and life-sciences companies.

Bird & Bird said that the new office would initially focus on the areas of privacy and data protection, technology, life sciences, intellectual property, and corporate law.

The firm added that “leading Irish specialists” in these areas would be joining the firm in the summer to establish a strong practice from the start.

'Natural' step

Bird & Bird partners Roger Bickerstaff (technology and communications) and Sally Shorthose (life sciences and healthcare) will initially head the Dublin operation.

The firm said that two other partners – Stuart Cairns (co-head of its international projects-and-procurement group) and Francine Cunningham (director of its regulatory and public-affairs practice in Brussels) – would also spend significant periods of time in the new Dublin office.

“Opening an office in Dublin – a vibrant market which is playing an increasingly significant international role across many industries – is a natural next step for us,” said Bird & Bird CEO David Kerr.

The firm has more than 1,400 lawyers in 30 offices across the world.