The recent launch of the GC Powerlist: Ireland Teams, hosted in association with McCann FitzGerald in Dublin, was attended by a host of companies operating across the country including Ulster Bank, Facebook, EY, An Post and Ryanair.
Those who attended the launch party were keen to celebrate the key role that legal teams play in the continuing growth and success of businesses in Ireland and the growth of the Irish economy. While the inaugural GC Powerlist: Ireland in 2015 recognised the individual general counsel (GCs) that have emerged as shining examples in Ireland, this time we recognised the impact that the wider departments have on their businesses.
The evening was introduced by Barry Devereux, managing partner of McCann FitzGerald, who emphasised the need for both GCs and their external legal advisers to be innovative and creative.
This was followed by GC Magazine editor-in-chief Catherine McGregor, who talked about what makes a great legal team, including the importance of having a distinct culture in building a team; the intangibles that legal teams look for aside from technical expertise in hires; and how to motivate and retain staff.
A recurring theme that arose throughout the evening was the implications of Brexit for Irish business, GCs and law firms. Technology was also a hot topic, specifically the importance of using metrics in managing teams and how it can be used as a differentiating factor in running an effective legal department.
The event concluded with some lively networking and discussion, demonstrating that as far as leading in-house talent is concerned, the Celtic tiger remains a significant force.
To see more on the GC Powerlist: Ireland Teams visit www.gcpowerlist.com.
For more information please contact:
Ali Blackwell-Cook: ali.blackwell-cook@legal500.com
Catherine McGregor: catherine.mcgregor@gcmagazine.com