Nottingham law firm Browne Jacobson is set to open its first overseas office in Dublin, led by Jeanne Kelly and Ciaran Markey, lateral hires LK Shields.
Browne Jacobson Dublin will initially specialise in technology, media and telecoms practice focusing on digital transformation, data and intellectual property.
The law firm also has offices in London, Birmingham, Manchester and Exeter.
The firm's commercial and technology group, Declan Cushley, and London head of technology, outsourcing and digital transformation, Anthony Nagle, will divide their attention between London and Dublin.
Darragh Killeen has also been appointed as a senior associate with two further associates joining over the summer.
In Association with
Mike Rebeiro, former head of TMT at Macfarlanes, has also been appointed as the Browne Jacobson's TMT and digital transformation consultant.
Richard Medd, managing partner at Browne Jacobson, said the firm is committed to establishing a strong presence in Ireland "and the opening of an office in Dublin with leading Irish-based experts is therefore an exciting and logical next step for the firm".
"Having an office in the heart of the city presents us with an important strategic opportunity to better connect with our domestic and international clients and offer the level of service and expertise, particularly regarding IP, technology and privacy, that they have come to expect," Medd added.
Declan Cushley said there was a "tremendous advantage" in having a strong presence in Ireland due its strategic location, talent pool and focus on tech and innovation as "Europe's Silicon Valley".
"Being in Dublin provides us with a significant window on Europe and an avenue to our client base, particularly amongst our corporates and financial services sectors, who continue to do substantial business globally," he stated.
“It also means we are perfectly placed to compete for premium cross border mandates from clients with interests in Dublin, London, EEA and the US as well as FDI opportunities."
Cushley added that the Browne Jacobson's arrival in Dublin was an opportunity to disrupt the Irish market through its initiatives and its track records as "an employer committed to promoting social mobility, inclusion and equity within the legal profession.
"Anthony and I originally hail from Derry and Kerry and have been keen to do this for some time. We are delighted to be part of the firm’s first overseas office and indeed to have the opportunity to work as founding partners with Jeanne and Ciaran."
In a joint statement, Jeanne Kelly and Ciaran Markey added: “Our links to Browne Jacobson go back several years. It has been a very positive long-term working relationship on both sides and there are strong cultural and practice synergies which we are confident will help to make the Dublin office a great success.
“The initial focus of the Dublin office will be on non-contentious and contentious IP, technology, data privacy and digital transformation. We will be leading a strong team in Ireland integrated into a 40-plus lawyer team focused exclusively on this space across London and Dublin.
“This will bring a greatly enhanced offering to clients both international and domestic with increased international reach, EU 27 access and US links.
“Clients are increasingly transacting business and resolving disputes through Irish law. We believe that there is enormous opportunity to grow the Browne Jacobson Dublin office aligned with strengths of the Irish economy in particular in technology, life sciences and data privacy and we are very excited to lead this.”
Accounts for Browne Jacobson for the year to April 2021 show the company made a profit of £23.5m (€27.3m) from turnover of £84.8m (€98.6m). The firm employs over 1,000 people, including 550 lawyers.
The firm advises corporate clients, insurers and financial services companies; NHS trusts and independent healthcare businesses; educational organisations, and local and central government and other public bodies.
Bird & Bird opened a Dublin office last month, also with a focus on IP and technology.
Photo: Anthony Nagle and Declan Cushley. (Pic: Browne Jacobson)
