Mason Hayes & Curran has reported a slight dip in turnover for the first time in decades amid the economic uncertainty created by Brexit.

The firm reported turnover of €76 million in 2017, down from €77 million in 2016.

Declan Black, managing partner of the firm, said the decline was “disappointing”, but that the firm’s performance was still “satisfying”.

Workflows in advisory and contentious practice groups grew, the firm said, but the experience in transactional practice groups was mixed, with a slow first six months followed by a pronounced upturn after the summer. Real estate activity grew strongly in the second half of 2017.

The firm’s technology practice was “largely unaffected” by Brexit.

Announcing the figures today, Mr Black (pictured) added: “The uncertainty that came in the wake of the Brexit referendum and the election of Donald Trump continued into the first half of 2017.

“However, the second half of 2017 saw an upturn in transactional activity across the firm which strengthened further in the final quarter.

“The fortunes of large law firms are largely tied to economic activity so with growth established and sentiment reasonably positive, we are confident about 2018. Our focus is always on what we can control and that is providing clients with deep legal expertise and experience delivered in a modern, responsive and collaborative way. That’s how we make a valuable and practical contribution to client organisations.”