International law firm Bird & Bird has appointed banking and finance expert Tim Macmillan as a partner in Sydney. He joined the firm on 1 June 2023.
With over 20 years’ experience as a finance lawyer, Tim joins Bird & Bird from Mills Oakley where he was a partner in the Banking & Finance team based in Sydney. Prior to that, Tim had spent his entire career at top tier firms including Ashurst in Sydney as well as Herbert Smith Freehills and Allen & Overy in London. Tim specialises in corporate finance, project finance and real estate finance, with a strong borrower and sponsor-side focus. He has advised on many high-profile transactions in a broad range of sectors, including energy and renewables, healthcare, hospitality, media and gaming.
His appointment is part of Bird & Bird’s strategy to continue to grow its Finance & Financial Regulation team in Australia. His dual qualification (Australian and English law) means that Tim can work seamlessly with the international Finance & Financial Regulation practice across the firm’s network, strengthening Bird & Bird’s global offering. Tim’s project finance expertise and focus on renewables is particularly valuable, given the ongoing transformation of the Australian energy sector. A key part of Tim’s role will be working closely with the rest of the team in the Sydney office and across the global network to leverage opportunities in the energy and renewables sector.
Michael Juenemann, Giuseppe D’Agostino and Joss Hargrave, co-heads of Bird & Bird’s international Finance & Financial Regulation practice, comment: “We are delighted to welcome Tim to Bird & Bird. His expertise advising on corporate, real estate and project finance matters with a focus on the renewables sector will be an ideal addition to our global Finance & Financial Regulation team, helping our clients navigate complex multijurisdictional transactions in the finance industry.”
Shane Barber, head of Bird & Bird in Australia, says: “I am very pleased to welcome Tim to our Sydney office at Bird & Bird as we continue to expand our Finance & Financial Regulation team in Australia. Tim’s experience in project and real estate financing will allow us to take full advantage of the boom in the Australian energy sector, perfectly positioning the team to service clients both locally in Australia and internationally. A warm welcome Tim!”
Tim Macmillan adds: “I am very excited to join some of the industry’s most talented, cross-practice experts at Bird & Bird. The firm’s reputation in the technology and renewable energy industries is second to none. I’m looking forward to working with my new colleagues, both in Australia and across the firm’s international network, as we expand the range of capabilities we can offer our clients.”