Bennett has an extensive cross-border practice, with deep industry knowledge in technology and financial services and experience in both private practice and in-house roles across Sydney, London, Hong Kong, and Mumbai. He joins the firm from Hogan Lovells (which made the decision to exit Australia last September), where he was a counsel.

He has expertise across a range of areas, including digital commerce, strategic technological services procurement and outsourcing, data governance and digital content, software development and commercialisation, digital infrastructure (data centres and fibre networks), emerging and disruptive technologies (including AI), and sophisticated global sourcing, acquisitions, and joint ventures. Australia managing partner Shane Bilardi said this experience would be a valuable addition to the firm.

“Mark’s extensive experience and impressive practice bring a unique opportunity for us to support both the technology and real estate needs of transactions,” he said.

“He will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our teams.”

Bennett is the third partner to join the firm in Australia since the beginning of the year, following the appointment of M&A partner David Holland in February and finance partner David Kirkland in January.

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The Australian head of DLA Piper’s intellectual property and technology group, Tim Lyons, said that “from a tech and sourcing perspective, our ability to present a strong, connected Asia-Pacific team is a key differentiator that enables us to deliver seamless, regionally integrated solutions for our clients”.

Commenting further on the new appointment, the head of DLA Piper’s technology sector in Australia, Joel Cox, said: “Mark’s appointment bolsters our technology offering, providing our high-growth and technology investor clients with the advice they need in the evolving legal landscape surrounding AI regulation.”