The competitive landscape for high-calibre legal professionals in Ireland has seen considerable progression due to the increasing presence of international law firms, says the head of one such company.
K&L Gates – the firm co-founded by William H Gates Senior, who is the father of Microsoft creator Bill Gates – recently expanded its presence in Dublin. The firm specialises in providing counsel to investment funds and businesses in the asset management sector.
Gayle Bowen, the head of the Irish branch of the firm, observed that their operation was one amongst many that have been attracted to Ireland because of a surge in the establishment of financial services and multinational companies in the region.
According to her, firms like theirs have increased the strain on the availability of skilled professionals, especially in niche areas of practice. K&L Gates’ Dublin outpost, which houses a workforce of 22, including four partners with expertise in consultancy for investment fund and asset management clientele, plans to expand in the coming months.
Ms Bowen, who is also K&L Gates’ coordinator for a group of practices spanning Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, plays a pivotal role in connecting clients across different nations with the firm’s attorneys in their respective areas.
Rooted in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, K&L Gates has established itself across the globe with 48 offices in regions that include the US, Europe, Asia, Middle East, and Australia. Their international network enables them to cater to the same clientele across various jurisdictions. “Nearly half of our clients avail our services in different countries,” stated Ms Bowen.
The company’s presence in Ireland allows it to redirect work to its local office from clients in need of legal support in the country. Conversely, their Dublin base extends similar assistance to its branches worldwide.
Irish Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment, Dara Calleary, officiated the opening of K&L Gates’ new office at One Park Place in Dublin. The firm initially commenced operations in 2023.