The awards are the premier annual recognition of achievement in the Australian and New Zealand legal markets. Every year the awards attract a high calibre of finalists and the categories are extremely competitive. The awards define excellence in the legal profession, recognising leading firms and in-house teams for their outstanding achievements over the past 12 months. 

Bird & Bird was also a finalist for the second consecutive year in the category of "Australasian Law Firm of the Year" for offices with less than 100 lawyers.

Shane Barber, Managing Partner in Australia, said: "This is a great testament to the fantastic work being undertaken by our rapidly growing IP team in Sydney. Led by Partners Jane Owen, Lynne Lewis and Troy Gurnett, our team now covers the full spectrum of IP legal services and handles some of the leading cases being undertaken in Australia".

Jane Owen, Head of IP in Australia said: "This award reflects the professionalism of the entire Australian IP team. This recognition by our peers evidences that Bird & Bird has well and truly made its mark in the Australian market".

Partners Jane Owen and Troy Gurnett were at the ceremony to accept the award on behalf of the firm.