Russell Williamson
Senior Associate @Bird & Bird
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WORK HISTORY
Senior Associate @Bird & Bird
London, GB
My recent and notable experience:• Acted in a claim worth over US$700 million brought by a Chinese consortium in connection with the purchase of a majority shareholding in an international sports rights business which subsequently became insolvent. The claimant alleged that its entry into the SPA was induced by fraud/fraudulent misrepresentations. Jinxin Inc -v- Aser Media Pte Ltd & Ors [2022] EWHC 2431 (Comm);[2022] EWHC 2856 (Comm).• Acted for the Premier League in an arbitration brought by Newcastle United challenging a decision concerning the proposed acquisition of the club by a consortium led by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia.• Acted for a US multinational against an Asian multinational in relation to complex arbitrations and adjudications arising out of the design and construction of two energy megaprojects in South Africa. This involved multiple claims and counterclaims of over US$2 billion.• Acted for a multinational restaurant chain in a substantial and complex insurance claim against insurers for business interruption losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown restrictions.• Acted for the former manager of a highly-successful musical band in relation to contractual and equitable claims concerning the purported extension/termination of the manger-band commercial relationship.(1) David Holmes (2) DHMC Corp -v-(1) Guy Berryman (2) Jonny Buckland (3) Will Champion (4) Chris Martin, Claim No. BL-20••••••03• Acted for a global technology services provider in a public procurement claim against the UK Home Office concerning the award of five contracts for the provision of visa and citizenship application services. Teleperformance Contact Limited -v- The Secretary of State for the Home Department, Claim No. Acted for a leading global technology and consumer electronics company in relation to two business-critical worldwide recalls of defective computer products (in over 40 jurisdictions within the EMEA region).
EDUCATION
University of Warwick
LLB, Law
Oxford Institute of Legal Practice
Legal Practice Course (Distinction)
ABOUT RUSSELL WILLIAMSON
I specialise in advising clients on complex disputes stemming from commercial contracts and corporate relationships, particularly in the technology, media, entertainment and sport, retail and consumer, public procurement and automotive sectors.My practice involves acting in international and domestic litigation, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution (including mediation) across a variety of industries. I have extensive experience of advising clients on high-value, business-critical and strategically important disputes (in both the public and private sectors), together with associated risk management and jurisdictional issues.As a leading member of our Product Compliance and Liability group, I also have expertise in assisting global organisations with the mitigation of legal and regulatory risks that arise when a product safety or quality issue arises in the marketplace. This includes representing manufacturers, distributors and suppliers in matters of product liability, recall, contractual protections, insurance policy coverage and dealing with enforcement regulators.I’m also experienced in acting in cases concerning fraud, breach of confidence, misuse of confidential information, construction projects, public procurement challenges and insurance coverage.Testimonials:Ranked as Associate to watch for Product Liability: Mainly DefendantChambers and Partners, UK Guide 2026 and 2025“Russell Williamson of Bird & Bird is a talented senior associate who regularly acts as lead individual in the firm\'s product liability defence matters. He is noted for the cross-jurisdictional work he handles.”Chambers and Partners, UK Guide 2026 and 2025“Russell is a solid attorney. He is very responsive and knowledgeable.”Chambers and Partners, UK Guide 2026“Russell Williamson is very intelligent, hard-working, and a real engine in complex fraud litigation.”Legal 500, Fraud: civil, 2025Recommended as a key lawyer for Commercial litigation: premiumLegal 500, 2026 and 2025“Russell Williamson is skilled in disputes and advising on potential risks and product recalls.”Legal 500, Product Liability: defendant, 2025“Russell Williamson is an outstanding associate who is extremely able and hard-working.”Legal 500, Commercial Litigation: premium, 2024Recognised as an ‘Associate to Watch’Legal Week
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