Browne Jacobson continues expansion in Ireland adding real estate and construction practices

Law firm Browne Jacobson has announced a significant expansion of its Irish operations, introducing real estate and construction practices while bolstering its corporate team in response to growing client demand. This expansion includes the appointment of several senior hires across these key practice areas.

The firm's growth in Ireland builds upon Browne Jacobson's extensive real estate and construction expertise in the UK, where the team comprises over 160 legal professionals. The addition of these practices in Ireland creates a formidable cross-jurisdictional offering, enabling seamless service for clients with interests in both markets.

Emma Middleton and Paul Tohill join as legal directors to establish the firm's real estate and construction practices in Ireland, respectively. Their appointments significantly enhance Browne Jacobson's ability to serve clients in these sectors, complementing the firm's strong UK presence. Gavin Bluett joins as a partner in the growing Irish corporate team, which launched in January 2024 under the leadership of William Darmody and has already advised in several significant Irish and international deals.

These senior appointments are part of a broader expansion that includes two new associates in corporate and litigation, as well as three trainees, underlining the firm's commitment to growth and talent development in Ireland.

William Darmody, partner and head of Browne Jacobson's Irish corporate team, added: "The growth of our Irish office, including the addition of real estate and construction practices and the strengthening of our corporate team, reflects the increasing demand we're seeing in the market. Our expanded capabilities allow us to better serve our clients, particularly in international transactions. Gavin's appointment, based in Galway, also extends our geographical reach within Ireland, enabling us to tap into new markets and better serve clients across the country."

Mike Sadler, partner and head of real estate and construction at Browne Jacobson UK, commented: "The launch of our real estate and construction practices in Ireland marks a significant milestone for Browne Jacobson. By integrating our extensive UK expertise with our new Irish capability, we're uniquely positioned to offer comprehensive, cross-border services. This expansion is a direct response to increasing client demand for seamless legal support across both jurisdictions, particularly in complex, high-value transactions and projects."

Since opening its Dublin office in 2022, Browne Jacobson Ireland has achieved significant growth under the leadership of founding partners Ciarán Markey and Jeanne Kelly. The firm won numerous exciting client mandates and achieved rankings in the Chambers Global and in Legal 500 EMEA across key practice areas in its first year and has since relocated to larger premises at 2 Hume Street, Dublin 2, to accommodate its growing team and client base.

The firm has quickly established itself as a key player in the Irish legal market, advising on complex, high-value transactions such as the acquisition of Strong Roots by McCain Foods in April 2024 and acting in complex international disputes.

About the new hires

Emma Middleton, Legal Director, Real Estate: Emma joins from a top 5 Irish commercial firm with over 17 years' experience in the Irish real estate market. She specialises in all types of real estate transactions including acquisitions, disposals, lease negotiations, property financing, and commercial real estate aspects of corporate transactions.

Paul Tohill, Legal Director, Construction: Paul, a specialist in projects and non-contentious construction and engineering law, joins from a large international firm. With over 10 years' experience and admissions as a solicitor in Ireland, Northern Ireland, and England and Wales, Paul brings valuable cross-jurisdictional expertise to the firm.

Gavin Bluett, Partner, Corporate: Gavin joins from a boutique Irish corporate firm, where he led the Corporate and Commercial Department. He specialises in corporate and commercial transactions, including corporate finance, Mergers and acquisitions, equity and debt investments, private equity investments, venture capital, and group restructurings.

Browne Jacobson's expansion in Ireland reflects its commitment to meeting client needs and capitalising on opportunities in the dynamic Irish legal market. With its strengthened team and expanded service offerings, the firm is well-positioned to support clients across a broader range of legal matters in both Ireland and the UK.