Skadden is pleased to welcome Deborah Kirk as a partner and head of the firm’s intellectual property and technology transactions practice in London. Ms. Kirk previously led the London IP practice at another global law firm, where she focused on transactional IP matters.
Ms. Kirk brings more than 20 years of experience across industries on a wide range of IP and technology matters. She is highly regarded for her ability to help clients protect and commercialize their intangible assets, while navigating the IP and tech-related aspects of complex transactions, including large-scale carve-outs.
Over the course of her career, Ms. Kirk has built an outstanding reputation for advising financial sponsors and companies at various stages of development on critical IP and technology issues. Her experience spans M&A, private equity, emerging companies and finance matters, with a particular focus on e-commerce and consumer brands. In addition to her transactional acumen, Ms. Kirk provides strategic advice on early disputes, IP ownership issues, data privacy and branding strategies.
“Deborah joins the firm at an exciting time, as we continue to grow and diversify our wider transactional offering in line with our clients’ needs,” said Skadden Executive Partner Jeremy London. “She is a leader in her field and her arrival at the firm further enhances our position as a leading adviser on IP and technology transactional matters, both in London and globally.”
“Deborah is a proven innovator in the IP and technology space, with a stellar track record of counseling on some of the most complex transactions across Europe,” said Richard Youle, head of Skadden’s London office and co-head of the firm’s Private Equity Group. “As IP and technology issues emerge increasingly as areas of focus for companies, our clients will benefit greatly from her deep experience.”
“Deborah is an ideal fit for our firm,” said Resa Schlossberg, head of Skadden’s intellectual property and technology transactions practice. “Her skillset bolsters our offering for clients across Europe, and further enables us to represent them on the most cutting-edge intellectual property and technology matters.”
“I am thrilled to be joining Skadden. The strength of the firm’s global platform and its London office are very attractive draws, as clients increasingly seek advice in connection with complex, multijurisdictional IP and technology transactions,” said Ms. Kirk. “Skadden is known for its enviable client base and leading integrated transactional practice. I look forward to joining the team and building on that success.”