Mark Leach

Mark Leach is a Partner at Bird & Bird in London. His practice focuses on Technology Law, specialising in outsourcing and large-scale technology projects. He co-heads the firm's Technology Transactions and International Outsourcing practice groups, and is also co-head of its Defence & Security sector.

Mark has over 20 years' experience advising clients on complex technology and other commercial projects. He has a particular specialism in technology and business process outsourcing, acting for both customers and suppliers on deals which are often highly sensitive and business-critical.

He is frequently involved in advising organisations on the sourcing of their broader technology requirements and the implementation of digital transformation programmes, as clients seek to harness the opportunities presented by new technologies in areas such as cloud computing, Big Data, AI and blockchain.

As well as expertise in deal structuring and negotiation, he regularly counsels clients in relation to project implementation and transition issues, contract management and the re-negotiation and remediation of distressed projects. This breadth of experience means he can bring a real understanding of the factors which make for a successful project and the type of contractual arrangements that best promote this.

He has worked on projects across many industry sectors, with a particular focus on the aviation, aerospace and defence, and financial services industries. Another key aspect of his practice involves advising suppliers who are bidding for or delivering UK government contracts in connection with large-scale technology and other major infrastructure programmes, including collaboration and alliancing arrangements.

He studied Law (CPE, LPC) at the College of Law, Guildford, and holds an M Phil in International Relations and a BA in Modern History from Oxford University. He was admitted to the Law Society of England & Wales in 1996.