Shoosmiths has merged with Belfast firm McManus Kearney, opening its first Northern Ireland office.
McManus Kearney specialises in debt and insolvency matters. It was set up in 1987 and is led by its two partners, Mary Frances Kearney and Jason Byrne.
The firm will take on the Shoosmiths brand as of today (1 December). McManus Kearney’s 14 staff will remain at their current Belfast office at Lesley Suites, Montgomery Street.
Shoosmiths and McManus Kearney have worked together for a number of years on panels for mutual clients.
Shoosmiths chief executive Claire Rowe said: “Our opening in Northern Ireland is symbolic of our commitment to our clients across the UK and ensuring our award-winning commercial and recoveries services are the very best on offer.
“The move was motivated by client demand and by our wish to have a commercial presence in Northern Ireland as a result of the complex work we undertake in recoveries and commercial financial services.”
Shoosmiths financial services advisory partner Stephen Dawson will assist with the development of the Northern Ireland base, which is the firm’s twelfth office.
In July Shoosmiths opened an office in Leeds after picking up two employment lawyers from Yorkshire firm Gordons. Employment partner Simon Robinson and solicitor Phil Crowe were brought in to head up the new office. The office also officially opened today.
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