Commissioned by the Law Society of Ireland and The Bar of Ireland, the report ‘Economic Impacts of the Irish Legal Profession’ was launched by Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan.

The report highlights how a trusted, independent legal sector underpins investment and innovation across every major industry in the country - from financial services and aviation to life sciences and technology.

Over the last 25 years, Ireland’s GDP has grown from $100.2 billion in 2000 to $577.39 billion in 2024, while employment has increased from 1.7 million to 2.81 million people. The report attributes this sustained growth in part to the stability and integrity of Ireland’s legal system.

Speaking at the launch, on 22 October, Minister O’Callaghan said:

“The findings of this report confirm that Ireland’s legal system is not only a cornerstone of our democracy but also a vital driver of our economic success.”

Minister O'Callaghan commended the commissioning of the report, saying:

“For far too long people have assumed that the legal profession in Ireland is in many respects a self-interested group. I think it is far more important that we emphasise the essential role that the legal profession in Ireland has in expanding the Irish economy and in servicing the very strong Irish economy that we have at present. For many years I was looking for data, or information, to which I could refer to [in order to] illustrate this. I’m very pleased that I’ll now be able to do it very effectively.” 

The report highlights that Ireland has the second highest FDI intensity in the OECD, with over 1,800 multinational companies choosing Ireland as their economic base. They are attracted by talent and tax – and also by legal certainty and trust in the rule of law. 

While legal services remain essential across the country, access is becoming less evenly distributed, with the west of Ireland experiencing the sharpest contraction - an 8% reduction in legal services employment over the past 11 years.

AI, data management and protection, alternative dispute resolution and working to combat cybercrime are all key areas of anticipated growth areas in the legal sector in Ireland.  

The report identifies Ireland’s trusted legal system as a key national asset that underpins the country’s economic model. As one of the most open and globally integrated economies in the world, Ireland’s success is rooted in confidence in the rule of law and legal certainty.

Ireland now ranks 9th globally for the rule of law, reflecting strong public trust in the courts and legal system.

Beyond its economic contribution, the KPMG report also finds that the legal profession plays an important social role in promoting access to justice and supporting communities.

Each year, legal professionals contribute over 9,300 pro bono days, valued at up to €14 million, providing free legal support to individuals and groups who might otherwise lack access to justice.

• Read the full report