Partner, Technology, Dublin This opportunity comes with a highly sophisticated business network which is a compelling proposal for a partner who is seeking a strong platform to expand their practice on. The opportunity will fit a strong business developer who is comfortable operating at global client. Structured Finance Associate 1PQE + international law firm – Dublin This is a standout opportunity to work closely with a highly regarded Partner who advises on a broad mix of capital markets and structured finance transactions, while benefiting from a flat structure and real responsibility from day one. Private Clients Solicitor – Law Firm - Dublin The practice protect, manage and transfer wealth for high net worth individuals and families and focus on trusts, wills, tax and estate planning and efficiency. They seek a qualified solicitor with an understanding that a private clients practice offer a personalised and highly discreet service. Banking & Finance Associate - Global Law Firm, Dublin This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated lawyer to work within a collaborative, merit-based environment that promotes professional growth, diversity and long-term career development. The role offers high-quality exposure to complex, market-visible matters and the opportunity to build a strong profile within the Dublin and global network. Planning & Environmental Associate (2+ PQE), International Firm, Dublin This is a rare opportunity to join excellent Planning & Environmental Partner with a market-leading reputation and a very busy, growing practice. The role offers a genuine 50/50 split between contentious and advisory work, including judicial reviews, complex environmental disputes and high-value strategic planning mandates. Private Clients NQ – 2 PQE, international law firm, Dublin – Cork – Galway This is an excellent opportunity for a junior lawyer to build a strong foundation in private client and estate planning work, advising a diverse client base including high-net-worth individuals, families and family businesses. Employment Associate 1PQE+ | Dublin The role will involve a broad mix of contentious and non-contentious employment work, including advisory support, corporate transactions, restructurings, workplace investigations and representation before the WRC and courts. You will also have the opportunity to assist on cross-border projects and work alongside colleagues across multiple jurisdictions. Planning & Environmental Lawyer – Senior Associate/Of Counsel – Dublin You will be working closely with other departments particularly the infrastructure, construction and energy group, in a well-defined and operationally excellent structure. In this role you will act in planning judicial review proceedings brought against state agencies and authorities and you will provide high-quality legal advice to clients on all aspects of planning and environmental law etc. Knowledge Lawyer (PSL) - Banking – Dublin This is an opportunity for either an experienced Knowledge Lawyer from a large firm, or it may suit an experienced banking/finance lawyer to step into a non-fee earning role. Either way, the firm wants you to share your wealth of knowledge of the banking legal industry as you continue to develop with the firm. Knowledge Management Lawyer – Technology Group, Dublin This role is ideal for a solicitor who enjoys high-level legal analysis, knowledge development and influencing how a market-leading practice operates. You will work directly with senior partners to enhance the group’s knowledge resources, develop client-facing insights, support major technology matters and contribute to industry thought leadership. In-House Counsel - Insurance - Dublin This is a highly visible, commercially focused role offering exposure to complex regulatory, corporate and commercial matters across Europe and the US, with genuine influence at senior management level. This is a superb opportunity to step into a high-impact in-house role within an international insurance business offering breadth, responsibility and long-term career development. Construction Lawyer - International Firm - Dublin The opportunity would see you working on high profile non-contentious construction matters and advising on a wide range of documentation across construction and PPP. There will be an opportunity to get involved with contentious construction matters at times also. The firm enjoys an open and transparent culture with real work life balance. Public & Regulatory Associate, 1+ PQE – law practice, Dublin This role offers exposure to a diverse and high-quality caseload across public, administrative and regulatory law, advising a broad range of statutory regulators and public bodies. level. The right candidate will ideally have broad experience across data protection, intellectual property, technology, AI and contracts law from a top tier practice environment.

Keane McDonald enjoyed the most fabulous evening on 27 November at The Merrion Hotel, Dublin to celebrate 20 years in business. Thank you to Michaella McMahon of The Jack and Jill Children's Foundation who joined us to discuss the incredible work they do for the families of children with severe cognitive delay. Claire Corbett of Right Point Global shared valuable insights with our guests on the importance of the human element in the work place. Thank you to our clients, families, friends and of course the whole team at Keane McDonald for making it a truly memorable evening. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Celebrating 20 years in business, Keane McDonald places legal talent at every level in the Irish market, both in private practice and in-house. It has a well-established reputation for excellence, delivering a discreet, professional service to clients and candidates. So, how does one of Dublin’s leading legal recruitment specialists perceive the local market and what advice do they offer to the city’s law firms? Mia Barry, the firm’s longstanding commercial director, suggests that her role is “all about relationships, building trust, and deepening market knowledge. To develop those relationships, you need a certain depth of experience and knowledge. Giving consultative advice through a partner process is complicated. It involves trusted information being shared which requires you to be very discreet and sensitive: working in an ethical manner around confidentiality is absolutely key.” She points to the size of the Irish legal market. “Most people know of each other, especially at partner level. At associate level, it can be different. Although an associate’s name might not be recognised, the firm where they trained and worked will be, so the interviewer will know whether they are likely to be a good fit.” Competency-based interviews at law firms are rare, she notes. “They focus more on culture, ensuring an all-inclusive and healthy working environment. Employees are looked after, not just in terms of remuneration, but also wellbeing – employers have focused more on this in recent years.” Money, she says, is always important. “New international entrants pay above market rate to secure their initial cohort of hires. This was very attractive to many lawyers whose firms had not perhaps kept up with annual salary increases.” International firms bring transparency Before the recent influx of international firms, she explains, the market was quite opaque. “There was little knowledge around what firms paid or how promotions happened,” she says. “Their arrival brought greater transparency around remuneration, benefits and career paths, which encouraged local firms to review their policies. We’ve noticed the pay gap closing with local firms now almost at par.” Growing demand, she explains, has led firms to focus on “better benefits, including a stronger social aspect and a more harmonious balance between work and home life. As salaries became better aligned, the focus shifted to employees’ well-being. It’s a key factor for most when considering a move.” According to Barry, international firms have also brought transparency around career trajectory, delivering greater clarity to how promotion works. “This more open culture has shed light on partner-level hires and promotions, although myriad different package structures still exist at a senior level,” she says. “From a talent shortage viewpoint, the slow-down in international firms entering the market is welcome: the pressure to hire talent has calmed and it feels more like business as usual. The focus now seems to be on consolidating and making new entrants profitable quickly.” As soon as economic concerns arise, recruitment is one of the first areas affected, says Barry. “We’ve not experienced any significant change in law firms’ hiring appetite. However, some US companies issued hiring freezes this year on the in-house side. Many firms talk about cautious optimism; certainly not negative. Candidates are very happy to move – there’s a nice rhythm.” She points to “a continued steady demand” for legal talent across most practice areas. “It feels stable,” she says. “Partners probably notice fewer calls from headhunters as the market takes a breather. The landscape will become more competitive with less opportunities, but we also see continued growth in many firms and anticipate more mergers next year.” Precious associates Although firms are recruiting, she confirms the slow-down. “The feeding frenzy for associates has calmed,” says Barry. “They are more selective, ensuring candidates tick all their boxes. There’s less turnover at associate level due to recalibrated salary levels and the focus on employees: lawyers are well looked after; associates are precious. “Every firm, domestic and international, says they are growing – but in a more measured way. Some international firms continue to expand quite rapidly, but most take their time, assessing people carefully before committing to hire. The focus has shifted from new entrants to ‘strength in numbers’ and we’ve seen the Top Six continue to hire in growth areas.” In a relatively small legal market like Dublin, it can be difficult to recruit at a senior level because people are more concerned about confidentiality. Barry suggests that Dublin law firms are open to hiring from overseas, which is confirmed by several firms which have recruited from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa in recent years. But there is little appetite to go through a visa process, notes Barry. “They would rather wait for the right hire locally. Local market experience is often essential which can prove difficult, especially for more senior lawyers based abroad.” Which recruitment areas are hot? “It’s easier to say which aren’t hot,” she says. “We’ve recruited for nearly every practice area this year, although technology and corporate are quieter. Litigation continues to specialise more: we see a focus on IP litigation, as well as regulatory and technology disputes.” So, what can law firms do to make themselves more appealing to young lawyers? They are improving, says Barry, but “there’s still some work to be done – at all levels. Some firms have transparent steps to follow while others have less clarity. Candidates prefer transparency. “Prior to interview, firms that share slick presentation packs with them stand out: it shows they take the process seriously and that the candidate is important. When hiring, firms that are highly responsive, communicative and willing to share valuable information are in a much stronger position.” What sells best A strong identity and reputation also matter. “Brand is important,” says Barry. “Some candidates prefer well-recognised, longstanding local firms. They’re often considered safe and reliable, while others prefer big international brands. Often, it comes down to personal choice, experience or ‘word on the street’. It takes more than a strong brand to sway someone’s preference. An excellent working culture and environment is as high on a potential employee’s list as the brand. “As well as focusing on employee wellbeing, Irish firms have increased the benefits on offer (maternity and paternity leave, the option to work overseas, wellbeing days etc.) and there’s an increased focus on culture and hybrid working arrangements. They’ve looked at what helps people perform better while enjoying where they work – it’s a more rounded environment.” And new offices? “Fancy, shiny offices are great, but if the culture isn’t in sync, that spreads like wildfire, especially in such a small market. Everybody tends to know each other, so a good culture is key to retaining and hiring staff, especially at the junior level. “Gone are the days of cloak-and-dagger cultures, where you have to second guess your value, work all hours and just hope for the best. Law firms had to evolve, tweaking their environment to become more attractive or risk losing staff. Retaining good staff is much better than having to hire replacements.” In terms of culture, transparency and communication are the key imperatives, according to Barry. “Firms that communicate well – internally, externally, to us, to candidates, to the market – and aren’t afraid of showing what they do and how they do it, what good and bad looks like, and are honest and open. That’s what sells. That’s the environment people want to be in.” Source: https://reportslegal.com/ireland-report-2/

Last Friday, the Keane McDonald team was delighted to join a wonderful group of recruiters — all members of Recruitment United — to support Eat Up Australia by making over 1,000 sandwiches for hungry Aussie kids. Across Australia, 1 in 4 students need an Eat Up lunch, and with the ongoing cost-of-living pressures, 77% of schools have reported an increase in students requiring free meals. To date, Eat Up Australia has provided more than 5 million free lunches to students nationwide — an incredible achievement that makes a real difference in young lives. We’re proud to have contributed to this initiative and to stand alongside others in our industry who share our commitment to supporting local communities. A heartfelt thank you to Pete Watson and Kym Kearney for bringing together such an inspiring group of people for this important cause.

Rianna specialises in the search and selection of junior solicitors and legal support staff for in-house and private practice opportunities in Ireland.  Before joining Keane McDonald, Rianna accumulated solid recruitment experience while based in Perth, Australia. Rianna has a deep understanding of the legal sector, enhancing her ability to match exceptional talent with the right opportunities. Rianna is highly driven, professional, accomplished and reliable with a strong motivation to deliver a superior standard of service discreetly. If you are looking to hire or for your next career move in the legal space reach out to Rianna at rmannering@keanemcdonald.com .

Keane McDonald’s annual guide provides a comprehensive overview of current salary benchmarks and emerging trends across Australia’s legal market. Whether you’re in private practice or an in-house legal role, this guide offers valuable insights to help you stay informed and competitive in today’s evolving landscape. Keane McDonald is an international legal recruitment firm, established in 2005. We specialise in placing legal professionals across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. Our clients include top-tier, mid-tier, and boutique law firms, as well as leading corporates, financial institutions, and consultancies. Download the full guide here: https://www.keanemcdonald.com/australia

2025 Irish Legal Salary Guide by Keane McDonald

Keane McDonald supported the Pieta Darkness into Light event on Saturday, 10 May 2025 in Dublin and Sydney. The Pieta Darkness Into Light was created by Pieta in 2009 as a symbol of hope, as communities all over the world come together to support mental health and prevent suicide, as participants walk or run from dusk into dawn to symbolise the journey from darkness to light.  Pieta has partnered with headspace as the Australian beneficiary to raise funds for youth mental health.

This inspiring event symbolises hope, as communities all over the world come together to support mental health and prevent suicide.