Pinsent Masons marks Dublin launch with IP partner hire

Pinsent Masons has marked the launch of its Dublin office at 1 Windmill Lane, SOBO with the appointment of Ann Henry as partner.

Ms Henry, joining from Phillip Lee, is an IP and commercial litigation specialist, chair of the Law Society’s IP and data protection committee, and a member of the Government Data Forum.

She will join Gayle Bowen, Andreas Carney and Dennis Agnew, the founding partner team in Dublin, which has a strategic focus on the technology and financial services sectors.

The firm marked the entry into its SOBO District premises with a launch party attended by over 450 people.

Business Minister Heather Humphreys said: “I am delighted to welcome Pinsent Masons as they formally launch their presence here in Dublin. The firm’s decision to enter the Irish market illustrates the country’s growing status as an international legal centre.

“It also demonstrates that Ireland’s common law English-speaking jurisdiction, allied with our well-respected courts system, is helping to attract international legal services providers in what is a rapidly evolving global marketplace.”

The firm’s senior partner Richard Foley said: “Our vision is to be recognised as an international market leader in our global sectors. In Dublin, we’re building a strong team specialised in the financial services and technology sectors that embraces and shares our innovative approach to delivering legal services in the work we do for clients.

“We enter our iconic 1 Windmill Lane premises today ready to bring a fresh approach into the Irish legal market and support our local and international clients in an integrated way across multiple geographies.”

David Isaac, head of advanced manufacturing & technology, said: “Ann is a skilled strategic litigator whose expertise in data and IP law is an excellent addition to our sector offering in Ireland. Working closely with our international IP and TMT teams, her appointment bolsters our ability to support our clients particularly on complex disputes and the changing regulatory landscape.”

Martin Shanahan, CEO of IDA Ireland, said: “Pinsent Masons as an innovator in legal services is a very welcome addition to the sector here. The strengthening of this sector will meet the growing demands of leading international businesses that are increasingly deciding to make Ireland their European home.”