Sakari Halonen

I'm a partner and co-head of our Nordic Tech & Comms group based in Helsinki. I predominantly advise clients in complex cross-border IT outsourcing transactions as well as in IT contracting in general. I also lead our Finnish Commercial group.

During my 20-year career, I have built an in-depth knowledge of the various aspects and pitfalls in IT outsourcing, which enables my clients to succeed in their projects and businesses. Having worked with both customers and suppliers, I know the ins and outs of both technical and commercial drivers creating value for my clients.

My ability to quickly get to the core of the problem, focus on the key issues, and find win-win solutions is the essential element valued by my clients. In addition to advising numerous global IT service providers, I also act for the customer-side in various industry sectors, including financial services, aviation and defence and automotive.

I am also frequently engaged in M&A transactions, with a particular focus on technology-related transactions and the technology aspects of M&A in general. In addition, as an arbitrator, I am also involved in IT-related dispute resolution processes.

Prior to joining Bird & Bird, I was a partner in another notable law firm in Finland, establishing its technology and outsourcing practices. My legal career began in 2000 when I joined Fennica Attorneys as an associate, the Finnish law firm that subsequently became part of Bird & Bird.

I recently authored, together with our of counsel Pekka Takki, the third edition of the leading Finnish textbook on IT law, IT Contracts – Practical Guide (in Finnish IT-sopimukset – Käytännön käsikirja, Alma Talent, 2017), which is widely used as a textbook in law faculties of Finnish universities as well as other educational institutions.