John McMahon

John McMahon and Danny McKay lead a seven-strong Belfast team specialising in corporate, commercial, real estate, finance and leisure/hospitality licensing work.

Mr McMahon has joined Spencer West as a corporate partner and corporate colleague Lauren McGarry has joined the firm as an associate. Both also retain their current roles in McMahon McKay.

The two lawyers, both of whom are dual-qualified in Northern Ireland and in England and Wales, will provide services from their existing Belfast offices as “McMahon McKay in association with Spencer West”.

The firms said the move will give Spencer West a strong physical presence in Northern Ireland, while enabling the team at McMahon McKay and their clients to benefit from significant international reach, including a team of almost 200 lawyers based across the UK and internationally.

Commenting, Mr McMahon said: “This is a hugely exciting opportunity to develop the business we have built so far as part of an ambitious and respected Spencer West team which has already made its mark in the marketplace in a very short time.

“Our entire team in Belfast are available to assist Spencer West lawyers and clients with their legal requirements in Northern Ireland which post Brexit has a truly unique trading position within both GB and the EU.”

He added: “The culture at Spencer West means we can have a voice in how the firm develops and play a genuine part in its future.

“The focus on collaboration benefits our clients and lawyers and it’s great to be able to offer such a wide range of relevant services to our existing client base, and to work alongside Spencer West’s existing lawyers and clients across the UK and internationally.

“We are looking forward to being part of this special culture alongside so many talented new colleagues.”

Spencer West co-founder Antoine West said: “This is a fantastic way to start 2023. The McMahon McKay team are a superb addition to our business, opening up new opportunities in Northern Ireland and bringing even more strength and depth to our business.

“The team looked at the way we operate and felt it was the ideal move for them, giving them the chance to work with some great lawyers in a genuinely collaborative way.”

Co-founder Simeon Spencer added: “John and his colleagues at McMahon McKay are the latest team to look at our model and the way we operate and want to be part of the future of law. We’re not a traditional model so we don’t take a traditional view of law. They liked that and were delighted to come on board.

“Our growth so far has been impressive, but we continue to speak to other, highly respected and experienced Partners in the UK and abroad who are attracted by the opportunity to operate as their own business, retain more of the fees they generate, and work with greater freedom. It’s a really exciting time.”