LK Shields Solicitors LLP and Byrne Wallace merged at the beginning of 2025 to form Byrne Wallace Shields LLP, which houses a deep bench of seasoned specialists in its employment law practice and is singled out as being a go-to for public authorities. In particular, the firm is known for its expertise in Protected Disclosures advice. Head of the firm’s public sector group Michelle Ní Longáin leads the practice and specialises in equality law. Having garnered over three decades of experience, core to Michael Kennedy's practice is wrongful dismissals and trade disputes, while Lorraine Smyth’s areas of specialty include restraint of trade and change management matters. Aoife Bradley has significant experience with unfair dismissal claims, disciplinary proceedings, and with disputes involving senior executives. Litigation lawyer Suzanne Keenan, who joined in June 2024, is well placed to advise on employment disputes. Other highlighted members of the team are Emmet Whelan and Loughlin Deegan. Ciara Ruane departed the firm in January 2024.
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Practice head
Michelle Ní Longáin
Other key lawyers
Michael Kennedy; Loughlin Deegan; Emmet Whelan; Elaine Kelly; Aoife Bradley; Lorraine Smyth; Suzanne Keenan