Global technology company Oracle has hired its first director of litigation for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (Emea), scooping IT disputes partner Sara Ellacott from Nabarro Nathanson.

Ellacott will coordinate and manage the company’s litigation strategy across Emea, working with local lawyers to ensure litigation policy is adhered to across the region.

“With Oracle being such a large organisation, a range of disputes can come up,” said Ellacott. “So it’s important to have a concerted strategy.”

Oracle has grown rapidly in the last year, acquiring businesses around the globe and adding $1bn (£530.12m) to its $4.9bn (£2.6bn) revenue.

Ellacott said: “The requirement for legal advice is growing all the time.”

Oracle does not operate a formal panel but does have a shortlist of approved law firms that it instructs on a regular basis. Ellacott will be working with Baker & McKenzie and Nabarros.

Ellacott was a partner at Nabarros for 14 years in the firm’s now defunct Reading office.