Team size: 45

Major legal advisers: Uria, Cuatrecasas, A&L Goodbody, Carey, Pinheiro Neto, Baker McKenzie

What impact did Brexit have on the financial Industry in Ireland?

Broadly speaking, Brexit had two effects on financial industry in Ireland. First, it provided new jobs and expanded opportunities for UK based firms building presence and capabilities in locations like Dublin, Paris, and Frankfurt to continue to benefit from the EU financial market. Second, Ireland based firms which operated in the UK pre-Brexit presented a challenge of obtaining a permanent UK banking or insurance license, together with the additional costs to maintain such license.

In what ways do you see the in-house legal role evolving in your region over the next few years?

The trend of doing ‘more with less,’ reducing cost and maximising return, will continue. This means that there will be increased work volumes for the in-house solicitors while maintaining focus on external law firm fees. The law firms which can demonstrate true value and a willingness to play their part in expense reduction will be the firms that build enduring long-term relationships with the in-house legal departments. I also see technology playing an increasing role in the day to day lives of in-house counsel and being one of the areas where external legal costs are minimised.

As we enter the next decade, what skills will a corporate legal team need to succeed in the modern in-house industry?

Lawyers are now expected to operate traditional skills in tandem with its contemporary ones. Highly regarded lawyers have the ability to distil complex legal concepts into easily understood message. Developing a willingness to truly understand their company’s business and commercial acumen with great judgement and work ethic is also a ‘must’ quality for corporate lawyers to have. The appropriate levels of risk acceptance and the exceptional interpersonal skills are also important for a corporate legal team to succeed in the in-house industry. However, given the fast-changing environment of the corporate world, there are more areas of skills required to be developed for the in-house lawyers. The openness and willingness to embrace technology with an agile attitude is key to move forward in this contemporary legal market.