MinterEllison IP head flies the nest for ‘Two Birds’

MinterEllison IP head flies the nest for ‘Two Birds’
Leading Australian IP lawyer Lynne Lewis is joining global firm Bird & Bird in Sydney as a partner in Sydney along with two associates.

Lewis was head of the IP group at MinterEllison and is a significant addition to the ‘Two Birds’ team with her practice covering a broad cross section of IP disciplines for clients in numerous sectors including fast moving consumer goods, automotive, aviation, fashion, food and beverages, financial services, mining and telecommunications.

"Lynne's appointment marks the next stage of growth for our significant Australian IP team,” commented Shane Barber, managing partner of Bird & Bird Australia. “Lynne will be a valuable asset for our team."

Lewis will be joined by associates Ashleigh Fehrenbach and Rochelle Schuenker, also from Minter Ellison.

KWM halves presence in Middle East
King & Wood Mallesons has closed its office in Riyadh, which it saved from the ashes of the legacy SJ Berwin part of the verein. It leaves the firm with only its Dubai office in the Middle East region.

The Saudi Arabia office was operated in association with local corporate lawyer Majed Almarshad and it is reported that the split was by mutual agreement with him.

Dentons opens in Netherlands
Global law firm Dentons has opened its latest office, in Amsterdam.

The Dutch expansion is the result of the completion of its combination with local firm Boekel, adding more than 70 lawyers including 17 partners to its global headcount of 7,800.

Within the Netherlands the firm will operate as Dentons Boekel.

Kennedys boosts Asia Pacific marine capabilities
The marine insurance and shipping practice of Kennedys has been strengthened with the addition of an Asia Pacific-focused partner.

Deug Rong (DR) has been hired from Clyde & Co and has a particular focus on the Korean market. He has more than 20 years’ experience including time as head of legal at Pan Ocean Co. Ltd.

He will be based on London where Kennedys’ marine insurance and shipping practice launched following the recent merger with Waltons & Morse.