---

Ireland for Law initiative targets general counsel

Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan recently launched a new Ireland for Law initiative at a special event in the Law Society.

A fact sheet, ‘Governing Law and Jurisdiction – Why Ireland?’, has been developed for general counsel of both Irish companies and international firms with a presence in Ireland, as well as solicitors and barristers practising in Ireland.

It is aimed at providing a clear case about the Irish legal system and the advantages of choosing to do business in Ireland.  

“The business case is clear: as one of the most open economies in the world  – and as the only English-speaking common-law jurisdiction in the EU – Irish laws and legal professionals are perfectly placed to support international business,” the minister told the launch.

‘Legal certainty’

Mark Garrett (Director General of the Law Society) told the event that Ireland’s robust legal system and commitment to modernisation made it a very attractive option for both domestic and international contracts.

“The choice of legal jurisdiction is a key decision that in-house lawyers have a significant influence over, and choosing the right one is vital to the best interests of the business.

“Irish law offers legal certainty, efficiency and expertise, as well as a competitive cost structure which provides peace of mind for businesses in a time of such global uncertainty,” Garrett stated.

‘World-leading advocates’

Paul McGarry SC said that Ireland had a wealth of expertise and experience in dispute resolution across firms and in-house legal teams, world-leading advocates at the Bar with experience in complex litigation, and a “hugely respected” courts system.

Tara Doyle (Matheson partner) was a member of the Ireland for Law implementation group that developed the fact sheet.

She told the event that the publication equipped in-house counsel and lawyers with the clear business case that they needed to inform key decisions.