Global law firm Hogan Lovells is opening a branch in Dublin, the firm announced on Tuesday.
The office will be the firm’s 17th to open in Europe and will initially focus on financial regulatory and antitrust work. A number of the firm’s London-based lawyers, who specialise in these practice areas, will relocate to the Dublin office.
“Putting clients at the centre of everything we do is a strategic priority for the firm, and having a presence in Dublin is about doing just that,” said Christopher Hutton, Hogan Lovells’ new Dublin office managing partner, in a statement. “Hogan Lovells opening an office there is welcomed by our existing clients, and also presents new opportunities. I am excited to head up the firm’s new offering in Ireland.”
The firm has not ruled out the possibility of offering training contracts or the opportunity for trainees to be seconded to its new Dublin office.
Hogan Lovells is the latest firm to open an office in Dublin following Brexit. Ashurst launched in the Irish capital earlier this month, while Dentons did so last September.
Prior to Brexit, international firms that maintained major offices in London would serve Irish clients from the UK. Circumstances changed last November when the Law Society of Ireland ruled that English- and Welsh-qualified solicitors who had previously gained admission to the Irish roll would be required to have a physical base in Ireland to maintain their EU practice rights there.
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Aside from the aforementioned firms, Dechert, DLA Piper, Fieldfisher and Pinsent Masons have all opened offices in Dublin following the Brexit referendum. It is likely that other international firms will soon do the same to continue to practice in Europe.
