9 September, 2015
Bird & Bird have announced the appointment of Pattie Walsh as a partner in the Global Employment Practice.
Pattie is acknowledged as a leading employment lawyer in Asia. She is one of a handful of non-Chinese lawyers to have a detailed understanding of local PRC employment law. She has a broad client base, with a particular focus on the financial services sector.
Pattie was formerly the Head of Employment for Asia Pacific at DLA Piper, and is admitted to practice in Hong Kong, New South Wales, and England and Wales.
Her appointment significantly strengthens Bird & Bird's employment capabilities in Asia Pacific. In addition to this appointment, the firm has also strengthened its APAC employment offering over the past twelve months with other lateral hires of well-known employment partners including Ying Wang (Shanghai), Seow Hui Goh (Singapore) and Lesley Maclou (Sydney).
Susan de Silva, Head of the Asia Pacific Employment group, said, "Pattie's track record of building and leading her team, her reputation amongst peers and clients, plus her regional/global focus represents a unique opportunity for us to take the Bird & Bird Asia Pacific Employment Practice to the next level."
Ian Hunter, Co-Head of the International Employment group, said, "Pattie joining us is a testament to the development of the Bird & Bird brand in the Asia Pacific region, and in particular the Employment group."
Pattie added, "I am thrilled to be joining the Bird & Bird team. I look forward to building links between the Asia Pacific Employment group and wider International Employment group."
Justin Walkey, Chairman, Asia Pacific said: "Asia Pacific is a central pillar of the firm's global growth strategy. This market includes some of the fastest growing economies in the world. This appointment is the latest example of the firm's commitment to expanding our reach and resources. I look forward to further announcements in the near future."
