Specialists in International Legal Recruitment

A major international firm in Dublin is seeking to hire an outstanding tax lawyer to join their global Tax Group. This is a great opportunity for someone who is keen to join a progressive and supportive firm with clear career prospects and exciting international platform.

We are pleased to be working with a high-performing international firm that is now seeking a Fiduciary Services Manager to join their growing transaction management team in Dublin. You’ll join a busy, client-facing team, working alongside experienced professionals across the structured finance and aviation finance sectors.

A highly regarded law firm in Dublin is looking for a new Knowledge Lawyer (Professional Support Lawyer). The role is to support this hugely successful Corporate Practice, ideally suited to an experienced lawyer who has a keen interest in information as well as training and development, who enjoys a law firm environment and has a natural ability to communicate with people at all levels. This role will sit in the corporate practice but also be part of a collegiate knowledge management team. The role can be full time or 4 days. The role: Work with the Corporate Partners and the Knowledge Management team in ensuring that the offering is a core part of their client service and business development strategy Assist with the execution of key content projects and knowledge initiatives Develop, review and update precedents and practice tools on an ongoing basis Design and delivery of training courses and materials You will keep up-to-date with current trends in the areas of Corporate Law and understand their practical application The candidate: A qualified solicitor with experience in private practice, preferably in a larger firm Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in Corporate Law A technically strong lawyer with a keen interest in Knowledge and continuous development Excellent interpersonal skills with confidence to deal with all levels Forward-thinking, open to innovation and new ideas This is a great opportunity for a lawyer who enjoys working in a law firm environment but would like to focus on aspects other than billing. This opportunity comes with flexibility and the potential of a 4 day week for the right candidate. Interested applicants should contact Mared Roberts in strict confidence on +353 1 6392924 or send your CV to mroberts@keanemcdonald.com. Absolute discretion is assured.

Well established top-tier international firm with strong work life balance is seeking a Litigation Paralegal to join their busy Dublin office. This firm with top ranked practices and lawyers enjoys a relaxed and down to earth culture where communication is open and transparent across all parts of the business.

A top-tier global law firm is seeking a talented Pensions Lawyer (1–4 PQE) to join its award-winning Employment, Labour & Pensions team in Dublin. This is a fantastic opportunity to work on high-profile matters for some of the largest pension schemes and company sponsors, alongside leading practitioners in Ireland and the UK. The Role Advise on a broad range of pensions matters including master trusts, pension regulation, and risk transfer/buy-out projects. Draft and negotiate commercial agreements and pension change documents. Provide advice to trustees, corporates, regulatory bodies, and master trust providers. Collaborate with colleagues across multiple jurisdictions on cutting-edge pensions work. About You 1–4 years’ PQE gained in a reputable law firm or in-house team. Strong interest and experience in pensions law; knowledge of Irish pensions regulation and master trusts advantageous. Excellent drafting, analytical and communication skills. Commercially minded with the ability to work in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. What’s on Offer Join a market-leading, internationally recognised team. Exposure to complex, cross-border matters and top-tier clients. Supportive culture with genuine opportunities for growth and development. For further information, please contact Rianna Mannering on 087 495 3446 or email rmannering@keanemcdonald.com . Absolute discretion is assured.

Celebrating 20 years in business, Keane McDonald places legal talent at every level in the Irish market, both in private practice and in-house. It has a well-established reputation for excellence, delivering a discreet, professional service to clients and candidates. So, how does one of Dublin’s leading legal recruitment specialists perceive the local market and what advice do they offer to the city’s law firms? Mia Barry, the firm’s longstanding commercial director, suggests that her role is “all about relationships, building trust, and deepening market knowledge. To develop those relationships, you need a certain depth of experience and knowledge. Giving consultative advice through a partner process is complicated. It involves trusted information being shared which requires you to be very discreet and sensitive: working in an ethical manner around confidentiality is absolutely key.” She points to the size of the Irish legal market. “Most people know of each other, especially at partner level. At associate level, it can be different. Although an associate’s name might not be recognised, the firm where they trained and worked will be, so the interviewer will know whether they are likely to be a good fit.” Competency-based interviews at law firms are rare, she notes. “They focus more on culture, ensuring an all-inclusive and healthy working environment. Employees are looked after, not just in terms of remuneration, but also wellbeing – employers have focused more on this in recent years.” Money, she says, is always important. “New international entrants pay above market rate to secure their initial cohort of hires. This was very attractive to many lawyers whose firms had not perhaps kept up with annual salary increases.” International firms bring transparency Before the recent influx of international firms, she explains, the market was quite opaque. “There was little knowledge around what firms paid or how promotions happened,” she says. “Their arrival brought greater transparency around remuneration, benefits and career paths, which encouraged local firms to review their policies. We’ve noticed the pay gap closing with local firms now almost at par.” Growing demand, she explains, has led firms to focus on “better benefits, including a stronger social aspect and a more harmonious balance between work and home life. As salaries became better aligned, the focus shifted to employees’ well-being. It’s a key factor for most when considering a move.” According to Barry, international firms have also brought transparency around career trajectory, delivering greater clarity to how promotion works. “This more open culture has shed light on partner-level hires and promotions, although myriad different package structures still exist at a senior level,” she says. “From a talent shortage viewpoint, the slow-down in international firms entering the market is welcome: the pressure to hire talent has calmed and it feels more like business as usual. The focus now seems to be on consolidating and making new entrants profitable quickly.” As soon as economic concerns arise, recruitment is one of the first areas affected, says Barry. “We’ve not experienced any significant change in law firms’ hiring appetite. However, some US companies issued hiring freezes this year on the in-house side. Many firms talk about cautious optimism; certainly not negative. Candidates are very happy to move – there’s a nice rhythm.” She points to “a continued steady demand” for legal talent across most practice areas. “It feels stable,” she says. “Partners probably notice fewer calls from headhunters as the market takes a breather. The landscape will become more competitive with less opportunities, but we also see continued growth in many firms and anticipate more mergers next year.” Precious associates Although firms are recruiting, she confirms the slow-down. “The feeding frenzy for associates has calmed,” says Barry. “They are more selective, ensuring candidates tick all their boxes. There’s less turnover at associate level due to recalibrated salary levels and the focus on employees: lawyers are well looked after; associates are precious. “Every firm, domestic and international, says they are growing – but in a more measured way. Some international firms continue to expand quite rapidly, but most take their time, assessing people carefully before committing to hire. The focus has shifted from new entrants to ‘strength in numbers’ and we’ve seen the Top Six continue to hire in growth areas.” In a relatively small legal market like Dublin, it can be difficult to recruit at a senior level because people are more concerned about confidentiality. Barry suggests that Dublin law firms are open to hiring from overseas, which is confirmed by several firms which have recruited from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa in recent years. But there is little appetite to go through a visa process, notes Barry. “They would rather wait for the right hire locally. Local market experience is often essential which can prove difficult, especially for more senior lawyers based abroad.” Which recruitment areas are hot? “It’s easier to say which aren’t hot,” she says. “We’ve recruited for nearly every practice area this year, although technology and corporate are quieter. Litigation continues to specialise more: we see a focus on IP litigation, as well as regulatory and technology disputes.” So, what can law firms do to make themselves more appealing to young lawyers? They are improving, says Barry, but “there’s still some work to be done – at all levels. Some firms have transparent steps to follow while others have less clarity. Candidates prefer transparency. “Prior to interview, firms that share slick presentation packs with them stand out: it shows they take the process seriously and that the candidate is important. When hiring, firms that are highly responsive, communicative and willing to share valuable information are in a much stronger position.” What sells best A strong identity and reputation also matter. “Brand is important,” says Barry. “Some candidates prefer well-recognised, longstanding local firms. They’re often considered safe and reliable, while others prefer big international brands. Often, it comes down to personal choice, experience or ‘word on the street’. It takes more than a strong brand to sway someone’s preference. An excellent working culture and environment is as high on a potential employee’s list as the brand. “As well as focusing on employee wellbeing, Irish firms have increased the benefits on offer (maternity and paternity leave, the option to work overseas, wellbeing days etc.) and there’s an increased focus on culture and hybrid working arrangements. They’ve looked at what helps people perform better while enjoying where they work – it’s a more rounded environment.” And new offices? “Fancy, shiny offices are great, but if the culture isn’t in sync, that spreads like wildfire, especially in such a small market. Everybody tends to know each other, so a good culture is key to retaining and hiring staff, especially at the junior level. “Gone are the days of cloak-and-dagger cultures, where you have to second guess your value, work all hours and just hope for the best. Law firms had to evolve, tweaking their environment to become more attractive or risk losing staff. Retaining good staff is much better than having to hire replacements.” In terms of culture, transparency and communication are the key imperatives, according to Barry. “Firms that communicate well – internally, externally, to us, to candidates, to the market – and aren’t afraid of showing what they do and how they do it, what good and bad looks like, and are honest and open. That’s what sells. That’s the environment people want to be in.” Source: https://reportslegal.com/ireland-report-2/

Senior Legal Counsel – Dublin, Ireland We have partnered exclusively with a global technology leader to appoint a Senior Legal Counsel for their growing EMEA team in Dublin. This role offers the opportunity to lead strategic commercial negotiations, advise on cutting-edge tech solutions and support business growth across Europe. Legal Counsel – Investment Management/Funds – Dublin, Ireland On behalf of a global leader in investment management, we are seeking an experienced Funds Lawyer to join the Dublin office. This key role will focus on providing legal support to Irish UCITS and AIF fund complexes, which offer a wide range of investment solutions. The position sits within the European Legal team, supporting fund complexes, global distribution and the wider EMEA business. Tax Partner – International Firm - Dublin A top international firm in Dublin is seeking to add Tax to its growing offering. They would like to welcome an experienced Tax Partner to their outstanding team. They are also open to an experienced Senior Associate/Of Counsel ready to make the step up. This is a great opportunity for an ambitious lawyer who would like to build a Tax practice. The practice has excellent support and resources to nurture a growing tax practice within its well established firm. Corporate Partner, Dublin A fantastic opportunity has arisen with a growing, innovative and open minded full full-service firm in Dublin for a Corporate Partner to join their leadership team. This opportunity will suit a corporate lawyer with a proven track record from a reputable firm who is confident in their craft. It will suit someone with energy and drive and who is keen to have a seat at the table and take part in the strategic aspect of driving the firm’s success forward. Junior Solicitor – Banking & Finance (Dublin) A leading international law firm with a strong presence in Dublin is seeking a Junior Solicitor (0–2 PQE) to join its Banking & Finance team. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious lawyer to work with a global client base and gain exposure to high-value, cross-border transactions. Legal EA, Dublin Our client is leading one of the most ambitious infrastructure initiatives in Ireland, transforming connectivity nationwide. They are now seeking a highly skilled Legal Executive to provide support at the most senior levels of the organisation. This is a varied, fast-paced role that blends high-level executive support with legal administration, board coordination, and company secretarial responsibilities. Knowledge Lawyer (PSL) - Banking – Dublin A growing firm with a long established top tier practice is seeking an experienced Banking Lawyer to join their market leading Knowledge Management Team as Knowledge Lawyer (PSL). In this role, you will work closely with the business leaders, including Partners and the Knowledge team, and it requires constant communication and research to ensure the knowledge base is the best it can be. Employment Partner - Equity on offer - Dublin An excellent opportunity is available in a friendly mid-sized and full-service firm with a well established employment practice. The practice provide expert advice and give outstanding client support across employment related matters across domestic and international, public and private sectors. Competition & Regulatory Lawyer (Associate / Senior Associate) – Ireland An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced lawyer to join a top-tier Competition & Regulation team. As part of this market-leading practice, you will be working with a broad international and domestic client base, advising on EU and Irish merger control, foreign direct investment, antitrust investigations, procurement and regulation across industries such as telecoms, energy, broadcasting and transport. FS Regulatory Lawyer – Dublin A top international law firm is looking to hire an FS Regulatory Lawyer to join their growing FS Regulatory Practice. You will get exposure to top level work and clients both domestically and internationally. You will offer regulatory advice to financial services institutions and have a good relationship with the Central Bank. Funds Associate, Dublin Our client is a leading global investment manager with a strong presence across public and private markets. With extensive experience in fixed income, credit, and multi-asset strategies, the firm manages a wide range of UCITS and AIFs, including ETFs, for investors worldwide. The organization is known for its innovative approach, client focus, and strong values-driven culture that fosters collaboration, diversity of thought, and excellence.