Eversheds Sutherland is set to launch a new Irish practice, following the end of merger talks between its existing Irish arm and leading Irish independent Willam Fry.
Eversheds said today (29 May) that it plans to launch fully integrated operations in Ireland in September under its International LLP. The firm currently operates there as Eversheds Sutherland Ireland, an Irish partnership that is a member of Eversheds Sutherland Europe.
Eversheds Sutherland Ireland and William Fry had been in early-stage talks last December, but failed to reach an agreement.
“William Fry and Eversheds Sutherland Ireland have been in exploratory discussions regarding a possible combination,” the two firms said in a joint statement. “After careful consideration, we have agreed that the interests of our respective firms are best served by remaining separate and accordingly both firms will instead focus on their individual strategic growth priorities.”
It isn’t immediately clear what will happen to Eversheds Sutherland Ireland, which is led by managing partner Alan Connell. Legacy firm Eversheds entered the Irish market back in 2005 through an alliance with legacy O’Donnell Sweeney, which rebranded as Eversheds in 2011.
Eversheds’ new Irish practice will be branded as Eversheds Sutherland and have offices in Dublin and Belfast. Up to 20 partners are likely to join for the launch, the firm said, less than half the number its website lists for the two locations.
The Dublin office will be led by partner Pamela O’Neill, who left Eversheds Sutherland Ireland in March amid intense speculation she would help to rebuild the international firm in Ireland, according to the Currency, while the Belfast office will be headed by partner Gareth Planck.
Commenting on the launch, Eversheds Sutherland international chief executive Keith Froud said: “I am pleased to announce this key investment underlining our long-term commitment to Ireland, which is an important market for our clients and our firm.
“It was vital to us that we launch our new operations with the best team possible in both Dublin and Belfast who share our global ambitions and, with Pamela and Gareth and the wider team of partners who will join us, I am confident we have achieved this.”
In 2022, Eversheds Sutherland Ireland boosted its real estate and corporate offering through a tie-up with Kenny Solicitors to expand its commercial litigation and real estate coverage in Ireland.
In the same year, Addleshaw Goddard merged with Dublin-based firm Eugene F Collins.
Email your news and story ideas to: [email protected]
