Walkers Ireland LLP is pleased to announce high rankings across Legal 500 2021, being ranked across ten practice areas and 12 senior lawyers being recognized by the guide.

Commenting on the recently released rankings, Managing Partner Garry Ferguson, said: "The ongoing support and positive recognition from our clients in relation to our high performing teams, is greatly appreciated. I am delighted that once again our market leading financial services offering has been recognized across a broad range of practices in the 2021 Legal 500 guide and would like to congratulate all involved."

For the fifth year running, our Capital Markets team has been ranked Tier 1 with partners Noeleen Ruddy and Andrew Traynor listed as 'Leading Individuals', and partner Matt Hedigan has been given the 'Next Generation Partner' distinction. Once again capital markets lawyer and managing partner, Garry Ferguson, has been listed in the 'Hall of Fame' category. Our Corporate team has moved up to Tier 2 in the Commercial, Corporate and M&A ranking table, with Ireland head of Corporate and partner Brendan O'Brien again being listed as a 'Next Generation Partner' and senior associate Eoin Ryan now earning a 'Rising Star' distinction.

Our Data Privacy and Data Protection team led by Of Counsel Shane Martin and who work closely with our Regulatory group led by partner Eoin O'Connor, has been newly ranked Tier 3 in the recently launched Data Privacy and Data Protection category. Our Asset Finance, Banking & Finance, Employment, Insolvency and Corporate Restructuring, Investment Funds, Real Estate and Tax firm rankings have been retained, with partner and Ireland head of Asset Management and Investment Funds, Nicholas Blake-Knox, being listed as a 'Leading Individual' for Investment Funds, partner and Ireland head of Asset Finance, David McGovern, and of counsel Killian McSharry retaining their 'Leading Individual' and 'Rising Star' distinctions respectively in Asset Finance, and our Tax group maintaining individual rankings with partner and Ireland head of Tax, Jonathan Sheehan, listed as a 'Leading Individual', partner Aisling Burke as a 'Next Generation' partner and of counsel Eimear Burbridge as a 'Rising Star'.  

Client testimonials from the 2021 Legal 500 guide include:

'This practice is uniquely commercial, sensible and smart. The key players are comfortable with dealing with tight deadlines and large transactions. The key point of distinction with other firms is the availability, agility and affability of the key players.' (Commercial, Corporate and M&A)

'We have found Walkers unique in their ability to not only explain the "what" of data protection legislative and regulatory requirements but also the "how" to apply it. Whilst the data requirements and principles do not change, applying the principles/legal requirements in day to day examples and understanding the particular industry/client is not easily obtained.'  (Regulatory – Data Privacy and Data Protection)

'Great insights on cases, how other companies are operating and what other law firms are advising their clients which enables them to identify issues and propose solutions quickly. Excellent practice notes and guidance issued quickly especially relating to the new implications around employment law, health and safety during Covid-19.'  (Employment)

'Precise, available, supportive, collaborative and diligent.'  (Banking and Finance)

'David McGovern and his team are very professional, competent, accessible and pleasant. This is an impression from working alongside them and as opposing counsel.'  (Asset Finance)

'Great energy and focus on transactions and the surrounding developments in the industry; very proactive and responsive; seamless integration with their corporate services and listing teams.'  (Capital Markets)

'The funds team is exceptional in its deep understanding of the intricacies of asset management and investment funds. Nicholas Blake-Knox is a star who offers exceptional client service and innovative solutions to thorny issues.'  (Asset Management and Investment Funds)

'The real estate tax team is exceptional. They provide clear, articulate and highly commercial advice on complex cross-border transactions and restructurings.' (Tax/Real Estate)