Simmons partner Derek Lawlor (l), country head Rachel Stanton and LSRA chief executive Dr Brian Doherty
The Irish arm of City giant Simmons & Simmons has become the first of a new breed of law firms that allows solicitors to form partnerships with barristers.
‘Legal partnerships’ (LPs) – which became lawful two months ago – also enable barristers to form partnerships with each other but do not go as far as allowing non-lawyer owners.
It took nine years from passage of the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015 for LPs to become a reality in the republic.
Simmons & Simmons (Ireland) LLP was the first to notify the Legal Services Regulatory Authority, the regulator created by the Act, that it was to begin operating as a solicitor-barrister LP.
The firm said the move would support its international arbitration practice in particular and enhance Dublin’s reputation as a seat for international arbitration.
In a statement, it said: “The benefits of this partnership model are manifold. Clients of Simmons will now have direct access to a team of barristers with expert legal acumen and experience in handling high-stakes disputes across multiple jurisdictions.
“This integration ensures a more cohesive strategy in litigation and arbitration matters, enabling more efficient and effective representation.”
Dr Brian Doherty, the authority’s chief executive, said: “The LSRA is very pleased to welcome Ireland’s first legal partnership within weeks of the enabling regulatory framework being established.
“Legal partnerships are an innovation in the Irish legal services market which will help modernise the provision of legal services and yield benefits for both legal practitioners and clients alike.
“Barristers and solicitors practising in partnerships will benefit from the efficiencies that flow from a group practice, such as being able to share backroom costs and client work, as well as risks. Consumers in turn will be offered expanded choices when availing of legal services.”
Rachel Stanton, Simmons’ country head, added: “We believe that this model will set the standard for legal excellence and client service in the international legal arena. We commend Minister McEntee and the LSRA for their efforts in bringing these legal partnerships into existence.”
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