Ray Byrne to head Addleshsaw Goddard in Ireland
International law firm Addleshaw Goddard has appointed Ray Byrne as the head of its Irish office.
Byrne, who takes up the role on 1 January 2027, succeeds Mark Walsh after his five-year term comes to an end.
The new Irish chief, who currently heads the firm’s banking-and-finance department, will lead a team of 160 people in the Dublin office.
20% increase in Irish numbers
The firm supports clients across a broad range of sectors and practice areas in Ireland and internationally through the Addleshaw Goddard network of offices, which advises clients in over 100 countries.
Addleshaw Goddard says that Byrne’s appointment comes at a time of continued growth for both the Ireland practice, where staff numbers have grown by more than 20& over the last three years, and the wider firm.
The firm has made several lateral partner appointments across finance, construction, disputes, planning, and environment over the past 18 months.
‘Next phase’ of growth
Byrne said that he was looking forward to moving ahead with the next phase of growth for Addleshaw Goddard’s Irish practice.
Mark Walsh described the new Irish head as “an exceptional lawyer and leader” who was highly respected by colleagues, clients, and peers.
Andrew Johnston (global managing partner) described Ireland as “a strategically important market” for Addleshaw Goddard, adding that he was confident that the firm would maintain its “positive momentum” under Byrne's leadership.