Two of the country's largest law firms to merge
Managing partner at ByrneWallace, Feargal Brennan (left), with managing partner at LK Shields Solicitors, Richard Curran (right).
Two of the country’s largest law firms — ByrneWallace and LK Shields Solicitors — have agreed to merge their operations creating a new firm called Byrne Wallace Shields which will employ over 430 people.
The merger will take effect from January 1 next year with the current managing partner of ByrneWallace, Feargal Brennan, serving as the new managing partner of the combined entity. Richard Curran, managing partner of LK Shields, will become senior partner in the merged firm.
Speaking on the announcement, Mr Brennan and Mr Curran said this merger will create a larger, better resourced, more dynamic firm to service the needs of existing clients and to target larger mandates from existing and new clients.
“We see this merger as a strong vote of confidence in the Irish economy. Our firms share similar cultures and values and we both enjoy the support of loyal clients, both domestic and international,” they said.
“We believe that this merger will enable us to provide enhanced services to those clients in support of their growth ambitions, and to compete for new Irish and international business.”
ByrneWallace currently employs 311 people and has particular expertise in various areas including banking, finance, mergers and acquisitions, and intellectual property among others. LK Shields, on the other hand, has 123 employees and specialises in corporate and commercial law.
Byrne Wallace Shields will be based in the current offices of ByrneWallace on Harcourt Street in Dublin. All of the partners in LK Shields will become partners in ByrneWallace Shields.
This news comes a day after two other Irish law firms announced a merger which will also come into effect on January 1. Flynn O’Driscoll LLP, a corporate law firm founded in 2002, will merge with Vincent & Beatty LLP, a commercial law firm established in 1846.
This merger with Vincent & Beatty will bring Flynn O’Driscoll’s headcount to 140. Vincent & Beatty clients will continue to be advised by their existing contacts in Vincent & Beatty with senior leadership at the firm joining Flynn O’Driscoll as partners.
