Two of Ireland's largest law firms, ByrneWallace LLP and LK Shields Solicitors LLP, have agreed to merge to create Byrne Wallace Shields.

The deal is one of the largest involving two Irish law firms and will create a firm of more than 430 employees, including 220 solicitors, when the merger takes effect on 1 January.

ByrneWallace managing partner Feargal Brennan will become managing partner of the new firm, while LK Shields managing partner Richard Curran will be senior partner.

Byrne Wallace Shields will offer services in corporate and commercial law including corporate/M&A, banking & financial services, EU & competition, tax, litigation, property, infrastructure construction & energy, regulatory, public sector, employment, technology, cyber, and data privacy.

Brennan and Curran said that the merger 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," they said.

"Our firms share similar cultures and values and we both enjoy the support of loyal clients, both domestic and international. 

"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.”

Byrne Wallace Shields will be based at the offices of ByrneWallace on Harcourt Street, and all the partners in LK Shields will become partners in the new firm.

ByrneWallace currently employs 311 people and while LK Shields employs 123 people across offices in Dublin and Galway.

Photo: (l-r) Feargal Brennan and Richard Curran. (Pic: Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography)