Bird & Bird is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard McMorris today as a new partner in its Media, Entertainment & Sports group, based in London.
Richard is a highly skilled Media law expert who will work closely with the firm's international Media team. He previously worked at Perform Group PLC, one of the world's leading digital sports content and media groups, where was General Counsel and Company Secretary for four years. There, he built the in-house legal function from scratch to a team of 11 across three continents, and oversaw the international expansion and diversification of the company's revenues through numerous multi-jurisdictional M&A transactions.
Before joining Perform, he spent 13 years in private practice at Wiggin LLP, where he became Partner in 2007. He was also recently the interim Director of Business and Legal Affairs at Racecourse Media Group.
Richard is an expert in commercial media, specialising in content distribution and monetisation, developing commercial and legal models for new products and projects which involve the use of innovative technology and/or commercial models to monetise media content and assets. His practice also includes media rights, soft IP relevant to media content and technology and the regulation of media businesses.
Within the media sector, he places an emphasis on cross-genre broadcasting and content distribution; sports media; publishing; brands and advertising/sponsorship; media technology; and the content and technology aspects of betting and gaming industry.
Phil Sherrell, Head of Bird & Bird's international Media, Entertainment & Sports group, said: "We're excited to welcome Richard to Bird & Bird. With his recent first-hand experience of life as a media GC, he will bring a new dimension to our already deep knowledge of the sector. I'm looking forward to working with him on the continued development of our offering and reputation both in London and internationally."
Richard added: "Joining Bird & Bird is a fantastic opportunity to work with one of the world's strongest Media law teams. My interest in businesses operating at the nexus between technology and media is a perfect fit with the firm's strategy and I look forward to making my contribution to achieving the firm's ambitions."
