Shane Barber

In addition to my role as the Asia Pacific Coordination Partner for Bird & Bird, I'm a corporate, communications and media lawyer looking after innovative clients operating both regionally and internationally.

With over 30 years' experience acting for some of the world's major corporations in the knowledge economy, I am a key advisor to one of Australia's leading telecommunications carriers, along with numerous carriage service providers, network infrastructure owners, technology suppliers and media and advertising companies. Over the years, I have also advised media, communications and technology industry groups including in Europe, South Africa, Israel and New Zealand, on complex policy and regulation developments. Increasingly, I am advising clients on regulatory issues arising in relation to emerging technology applications, including payments and fintech.

I have particular experience advising on the rollout of mobile and broadband networks in many jurisdictions.

A significant part of my practice is conducting corporate transactions regarding mergers and acquisitions, fundraising (including IPOs), capital markets regulation and providing corporate law advice for leading national and international organisations immersed in the new digital economy.

Before joining Bird & Bird, in addition to my role as a partner with another global law firm, I was Corporate Counsel to the Optus Group. I've served as President, Vice President and Secretary of Australia's Communications and Media Law Association. I am a former Editor of the Communications Law Bulletin and co-author of the IT Contractors Handbook.

I have previously served as Head of Country, Australia, for Bird & Bird for over 10 years, following a 12 year term as Managing Partner of one of Australia's leading digital economy, legal and regulatory firms.

• Advising Australia's National Broadband Network on the regulatory and documentary requirements for the rollout of the mobile and satellite components of its network.
• Providing regulatory advice to Vodafone regarding the rollout of its mobile networks in Australia, including in relation to statutory powers and immunities.
• Acting for Experience Co Ltd on its listing on the Australian Securities Exchange, its subsequent regulated capital raisings, and in relation to the acquisition of numerous companies and assets across Australia and New Zealand as it seeks to build one of the world's largest adrenalin sports businesses.
• Acting for Canadian listed Kew Media in the acquisition of a portfolio of Australian and US based television production assets.
• Acting for a leading German bank on the acquisition of merchant acquiring and card issuing businesses in Australia; providing all associated corporate and finance regulatory advice.