Bird & Bird today announces the appointment of Victoria Hobbs and Graeme Payne who will join the firm’s London office as partners from the franchising team at Field Fisher Waterhouse.
Victoria joined the franchising team at Field Fisher Waterhouse as a franchise litigation assistant in 2000 and has mostly recently headed the Franchise Dispute Resolution team. In addition to significant UK disputes expertise, Victoria has also advised clients on disputes arising out of international franchise roll out programmes as well as providing strategic dispute avoidance advice.
Graeme joined the franchising team after qualifying in 2002. With over 12 years’ experience Graeme has advised on a variety of domestic and international clients. These have ranged from individual entrepreneurs, early-stage ventures and SMEs through to multinationals in the retail, leisure, F&B and healthcare sectors.
Victoria said: “Graeme and I are excited to be joining Bird & Bird. The firm’s international network of offices are a natural fit with the global nature of our work and clients.”
David Kerr, CEO, Bird & Bird said: “We are very pleased to welcome Graeme and Victoria to the firm. There are clear synergies between the nature and type of clients that they have worked for and Bird & Bird’s areas of industry and practice focus. Their appointments will considerably strengthen the firm’s existing expertise in international franchising and multi-channel strategies in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. We look forward to the experience and knowledge that they can bring to Bird & Bird.”
