Niall Pelly

Littler, which has a headcount of more than 1,600 lawyers, expands into its 25th country with the appointment of Mr Pelly from a rival Irish law firm. The move follows its expansion into Spain, Poland and Austria last year.

In a joint statement, Tom Bender and Jeremy Roth, co-managing directors of Littler, said: “Niall is a highly regarded lawyer with extensive international experience and his addition further strengthens our ability to represent multinational corporations in their most sophisticated labour and employment matters.”

Erin Webber, who becomes Littler’s managing director later this week, added: “Ireland has become an increasingly key player in the European and global economies, which is why Niall’s understanding of the country and his impressive reputation in the market make him a strong addition that fits well into our global expansion strategy.”

Mr Pelly advises companies on all aspects of employment law and workplace issues, with a particular emphasis on complex, high-value litigation such as whistleblowing claims and High Court employment injunctions. He works with a variety of large national and multinational clients across various sectors including technology, pharmaceuticals and financial services.

A graduate of Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin, he is qualified to practice in Ireland, England and Wales and New York, and worked for several years with leading international law firms in London. He is active in the Employment Lawyers Association, the International Bar Association, and the European Employment Lawyers Association.

Jon Gilligan, founder and managing partner of GQ|Littler, said: “We are excited to welcome Niall to the firm and about the connections and experience he has amassed working out of Dublin and London for nearly two decades.

“His addition will further enhance what we can offer to clients in Ireland, the UK and globally. Opening a new office in Dublin will also bolster Littler’s market-leading ability to provide international businesses with customised counsel on the most complex labour and employment matters, complemented by innovative tools and technology resources.”

Mr Pelly added: “Ireland is home to many of Europe’s most innovative and well-respected companies and is a leading destination for corporations looking to expand their international operations.

“I was drawn by the opportunity to work with a talented team, both in the UK and globally, and for my clients to benefit from Littler’s innovative technology and global resources that are uniquely focused on the resolution of employment and workplace issues.”

Stephan Swinkels, a Littler shareholder who helps to lead the development and integration of the firm’s global practice, said: “Ireland is one of the world’s most robust economies and as the Dublin-London relationship, and Ireland’s connection to the United States, remain in lockstep, our expansion in Ireland will strengthen our service to clients.”