International law firm Taylor Wessing has confirmed that it will open an office in Dublin, becoming the latest in a wave of UK firms adjusting to post-Brexit industry restrictions.
The Dublin office, which will be Taylor Wessing’s 29th worldwide, will have a focus on tech and life sciences. Corporate partner and executive board member James Goold and international co-head of life sciences and healthcare Alison Dennis will initially split their time between the firm’s London and Dublin offices, with a co-working space to be used at first.
Goold has been a partner at Taylor Wessing since 2012, joining from Jones Day. Dennis joined the firm last May, having previously spent almost 12 years as head of life sciences at Fieldfisher.
Commenting on the Dublin expansion, Goold said: “Dublin is a thriving, dynamic city and the surrounding areas of Cork and Galway continue to be recognised as amongst the leading tech and innovation hubs in the world. Our strategic growth plans offer opportunities for us to support international technology and life sciences sector organisations with leading advice that will deliver continued success for their businesses.”
Several high-profile UK firms have opened offices in Dublin to better navigate the post-Brexit trading environment. Hogan Lovells announced its expansion in March following similar announcements from Ashurst, Dentons and others.
The Law Society of Ireland announced in November that English- and Welsh-qualified solicitors would be required to have a physical presence in Ireland to maintain their EU practice rights there. In March, it confirmed that English and Welsh solicitors could requalify in the Republic of Ireland without needing to sit extra exams.
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The move by Taylor Wessing remains subject to regulatory approval.
