Law firm Browne Jacobson reveals strategic growth plan for new Dublin office

UK law firm Browne Jacobson, which opened its first overseas office in Dublin in September, has outlined its strategic plans to grow its legal team over the next four years.

The firm’s Dublin office will initially focus on delivering an integrated end-to-end technology, media, and telecom (TMT) practice for its domestic and international clients with further service lines expected to be added in response to client demand.

As the UK’s number one employer for social mobility, Browne Jacobson is also committed to encouraging and promoting talent from a diverse range of backgrounds. Its latest FAIRE (Fairer Access into Real Experience) virtual careers event, which is aimed at nurturing young talent and promoting greater diversity and inclusivity in the legal profession, attracted over 100 young people from across Ireland.

The office has been founded by a four strong partner-led team of respected contentious and non-contentious lawyers with extensive experience advising start-ups, investors, tech multi-nationals, and global brands on IP, technology / sourcing, data privacy and digital transformation matters.

Two of the four founding partners, Jeanne Kelly and Ciarán Markey joined the firm recently and are permanently based in the Dublin office. The other two founding partners, Declan Cushley and Anthony Nagle (originally from Derry and Kerry respectively) put in place the strategy to open in Dublin.  Declan is the head of the firm’s commercial & technology group  and Anthony is the national head of technology, outsourcing and digital transformation based in London.  Both Declan and Anthony will be dividing their attention between London and Dublin.

The team has also appointed Mike Rebeiro, former head of TMT at Macfarlanes, as the firm’s TMT and Digital Transformation Consultant and added senior associate Darragh Killeen and associate Raymond Sherry to further strengthen its offering.

The Dublin based team work closely with the firm’s 40 strong UK based team supporting existing clients in the TMT space whilst attracting premium domestic and international mandates.

Commenting on this announcement, An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar TD said: “I am really pleased that Browne Jacobson has chosen Dublin for its first overseas office. Ireland is home to a lively and experienced legal services sector and Browne Jacobson’s plans for strategic growth in Ireland will offer wonderful employment opportunities for our legal and business service professionals.’’

Jeanne Kelly and Ciarán Markey, two of the firm’s four co-founding partners, said: “Having our first overseas office in Ireland is a real game changer for us and our clients. It will ensure we are perfectly positioned to meet growing client demand for an integrated cross border offering spanning three of the world’s primary tech hubs – London, Dublin and the US. As a firm we’re passionate about making sure our teams on the ground truly reflect the societies we serve. We have ambitious plans to grow our Dublin office over the next few years and will ensure that we take full advantage of the bounty of diverse talent available locally.”

Speaking on this announcement, Dónal Travers, Head of Technology, Consumer and Business Services at IDA Ireland added: ‘’IDA Ireland welcomes Browne Jacobson’s plans to grow its Irish legal team, having recently established its first overseas office in Dublin. The company is a welcome addition to Ireland’s vibrant and expanding legal services ecosystem and their growth plans signal confidence in the favourable conditions that exist here for companies in this sector, and for their clients in the technology, media and telecommunications sector. I wish them continued success with their expansion plans.”