Declan Black

The firm welcomed “solid and sustainable growth” in a year in which it also appointed 12 new partners, bringing its total partner count to 87.

Managing partner Declan Black said: “We are pleased that our service to clients has led to solid and sustainable growth in 2018. Obviously external conditions always impact on outcomes and in 2018 they were largely positive - although the Brexit risk looms large.

“But we can only control what we do, so our focus is giving our clients first-class expertise and deep experience and doing that in an unstuffy, innovative and collaborative way. It was gratifying that our emphasis on innovative service won us the FT’s top award for ‘Innovation in Legal Expertise’ but even more so that our innovations generate real value for our clients both in terms of cash savings and time efficiencies.”

He added: “Brexit continues to be a very significant risk but it does also create some opportunities for Ireland. The migration of financial services and other jobs is an obvious one. The increased competitiveness of Ireland as an FDI location relative to the UK is another.

“More recently, it is good to see the Government recognise that promoting and investing in the efficiency of the Courts Service is not just good for society as a whole. It is also a factor in attracting and anchoring both bricks and mortar and transactional business to Ireland with the corresponding economic benefit.

“With our common law system, EU membership and being native English speakers, we are very well placed to persuade firms to choose Irish law and the Irish courts to regulate their transactions and this leads to increased business in Ireland. But these natural advantages do need active support by Government policy and investment to be fully exploited.”