Simmons & Simmons has hired banking lawyer Kate Carneen from DLA Piper to strengthen its Irish financial markets team.
Carneen joins as a partner in Dublin, which was established in 2018. She brings her extensive experience across a wide range of financing issues, including real estate and development, acquisitions, fund finance and asset-based lending transactions. These transactions range from syndicated and club financing to the treatment of distressed and distressed loan portfolios in restructuring and refinancing scenarios.
She regularly acts for domestic and international financial institutions, non-bank financial institutions, asset management companies, investment funds, corporates and family offices.
Rachel Stanton, Head of Simmons & Simmons Ireland, said: “Kate’s expertise and relationships in domestic and international markets will play a vital role in the next stage of our growth in Ireland.” Ta.
Mr Carneen joined DLA Piper just over four years after joining from local firm Dillon Eustace Solicitors, where he spent more than seven years, three of which as a partner. Prior to that, McCann trained and worked at Fitzgerald, including stints at Irish bank AIB and financial services company Certus.
She said: “I am very excited to join Simmons & Simmons, a company known for its excellent customer service, superior subject matter expertise, and collaborative approach across borders. I look forward to contributing to the company’s continued success. We look forward to working with the international Simmons & Simmons team to provide our clients with the best possible advice.”
According to Pirical, Simmons & Simmons is Ireland’s seventh largest international firm by number of lawyers (see table below).
In August last year, the London-based company signed a lease to move from its current home in the Grand Canal Dock to Molesworth Street, near Leinster House in central Dublin. The 13,100 sq ft office space could accommodate 120 staff, according to the Irish Times. The lease runs until 2038, with the move scheduled for May.
Following the UK’s exit from the EU, many international companies are increasing their presence in Ireland. In November, Pinsent Masons expanded its intellectual property practice in Dublin, welcoming data specialist Maureen Daly from Beauchamp as part of plans to strengthen its technology and science services in Europe. .
Back in August, US firm Clark Hill partnered with Dublin-based HBMO Solicitors to strengthen its presence in Ireland. This is the third local partnership since then.
This follows a move by London-based IP firm Powell Gilbert to open a Dublin office in June to coincide with the launch of the EU’s new Unified Patent Court.
Ireland’s Global 200 Law Firms by Number of Lawyers*
Evershed Sutherland (82)
Addleshaw Goddard (74)
Field Fisher (61)
DLA Piper (54)
DAC Beachcroft (46)
Dentons (38)
Simmons & Simmons (34)
Kennedy family (33)
Clark Hill (32)
Pinsent Masons (24)
*Source Pirical