International law firm Bird & Bird today launches its Public Affairs practice in Brussels with the appointment of Francine Cunningham as Senior Public Affairs Manager. A specialist in EU policy, Francine has 20 years of experience in the area of Technology, Communications and Media.
Francine joins from the U.S. Mission to the European Union where she advised American companies on EU policy developments, with a particular focus on the Digital Single Market and intellectual property. Previously, she ran a trade association in the news media publishing sector and worked for the international recording industry.
At Bird & Bird, Francine will help clients in highly regulated sectors keep ahead of EU policy developments, understand the impact of evolving legislation on their business and ensure that their voice is heard by European decision-makers. Francine brings with her an extensive network of positive working relationships with the European institutions and industry stakeholders.
The new practice in Brussels will work closely with Bird & Bird's successful Regulatory Consulting and Public Affairs team in The Hague and the firm's network worldwide.
Anne Federle, Head of Bird & Bird Belgium says: "Francine's extensive public affairs experience is a perfect complement to the firm's existing capabilities in EU regulation and competition law. Along with the legal expertise for which the firm is renowned, we can now offer our clients practical advice about when and how they should intervene to shape regulatory change."
Francine adds: "At a time of enormous regulatory change which will define the future shape of the digital economy, I am delighted to join one of the leading law firms in the world for Technology, Communications and Media law. I am looking forward to advising Bird & Bird's clients and helping to achieve a regulatory environment that enables their businesses to grow and flourish."