Bird & Bird has hired a partner from DLA Piper to join its technology practice in Sydney as well as hiring a public law partner from Clifford Chance in London.

Nicholas Boyle joins after five years as a technology and cyber partner at DLA Piper, including four years as the leader of the Sydney technology and IP team.

He practices in technology and data protection and advises on M&A and data breach response. He also advises major Australian clients, particularly in relation to more traditional tech procurement services.

“Nicholas’ arrival is a key part of our strategic ambitions at Bird & Bird to grow our technology and data protection team in Sydney,” Shane Barber, managing parter at Bird & Bird in Australia, said in a statement.

Australia is in the process of updating its privacy laws, which is increasing demand for lawyers with this expertise.

DLA Piper was contacted for comment.

Meanwhile, Bird & Bird has also added Clifford Chance's head of public law, Andrew Dean, as partner in London.

Dean, who is leaving Clifford Chance after over six years, supports public and private sector clients across a number of issues including contentious procurement and public law matters, and regulatory and policy development matters.

Commenting on the latest addition to the team, Stuart Cairns, co-head of international projects and procurement at Bird & Bird, said: “[Dean's] impressive track record of establishing new practices from the ground up, combined with his background in Central Government, means he’s uniquely positioned to support our clients in navigating new and untested legal regimes.”

A Clifford Chance spokesperson said: “We thank Andrew for his contribution to the firm and wish him the best for the future".