Revenue at top law firm up 8% last year

IRISH LAW firm Mason Hayes Curran increased its revenue by 8 per cent in 2011 to €42.2 million, according to figures supplied to The Irish Times.

This is the ninth year in a row that it has achieved increased turnover. In 2010, its revenue rose by 8.9 per cent to €39.2 million.

No profit figure was provided but Mason Hayes Curran is one of the few law firms here to release its revenue figures.

The firm employs 293 staff, including 66 partners.

Commenting on the results, managing partner Emer Gilvarry said: “Despite challenging market conditions, our performance in 2011 reflects the increase in foreign direct investment and the ongoing growth of key sectors such as technology, healthcare, insurance, food, and energy in Ireland.”

Ms Gilvarry said financial services and dispute resolution continued to generate significant workflow, reflecting the broader economic climate in Ireland.

She said Mason Hayes Curran was seen as the “law firm of choice” for US enterprises acquiring mature Irish businesses.

“As well as the constant flow of foreign direct investment activities, we see the commercialisation of Irish State assets as possible sources of future business as these will attract a flow of international purchasers to Ireland in the coming months and years,” she added.

She said the highlight of the firm’s year in 2011 was completing the purchase by US-based Liberty Mutual of the general insurance business of Quinn Insurance Ltd.

It also advised on the acquisition by Scandinavian media company Schibsted of DoneDeal, the Irish online classifieds site.

In the area of dispute resolution, the firm has acted for Facebook in defamation litigation.