The partnership re-elected him to another four-year term at the helm
Christian Bartsch will continue to lead Bird & Bird as CEO after the partnership re-elected him to a new four-year term.
He was first appointed to the leadership role in April 2022.
“On behalf of the board and myself, I extend our warmest congratulations to Christian. It has been a privilege to work closely with him over the past four years, and I am confident he will continue to play a key role in driving our firm’s success”, said Bird & Bird board chair Graeme Maguire.
Bartsch led the rollout of the firm’s five-year term strategy in May 2024. During his first term as CEO, the firm opened its doors in Tokyo in 2024 and in Riyadh and Lisbon last year.
Bird & Bird said in a press release that in the past three years, its revenue increased by 28% and its average annual growth rate came in at 9%. Last year, the firm also jumped on the AI bandwagon with its adoption of Legora – among the first global firms to do so.
The firm indicated that it was strengthening its legaltech and innovation team in line with client demand.
“Bird & Bird is a truly international firm with outstanding people, and I am grateful to the partnership for the trust they have placed in me for the next four years. Together with our global leadership team, I look forward to continuing the execution of our five-year strategy and maintaining the strong momentum we have built across the firm”, Bartsch said. “As our clients navigate rapid technological and market change, our long-standing focus on supporting organisations shaped by the digital world ensures we remain well positioned to continue delivering innovative and high-quality advice globally.”
In May 2025, Bird & Bird appointed Sydney corporate head Chris Clarke and Australian sports practice founder Rich Hawkins as co-heads of its Australia office.
