GC Powerlist: Ireland 2025

On Tuesday 30th September, Legal 500 returned to Dublin to launch the GC Powerlist: Ireland 2025. In partnership with Matheson, it was an honour to welcome so many leading legal practitioners from across the country to celebrate in-house counsel.

The 2025 edition of the Legal 500 GC Powerlist: Ireland recognises a stellar cohort of senior in-house counsel, highlighting the integral role that they play in today’s complex and fast-evolving legal environment. The Powerlist initiative reflects the vital, and often industry-shaping, work that in-house teams carry out on a daily basis.

Isabel Caine, Editor – Corporate Counsel, opened the evening, before handing over to Michael Jackson, Managing Partner at Mathesons, to present his final Legal 500 Powerlist: Ireland. As his time as Managing Partner draws to a close, Jackson reflected on how the in-house role has transformed over the course of his tenure. He celebrated the productive relationship between in-house and external counsel, one that remains essential as both adapt to an ever-changing legal landscape.

Miriam Nagle, Group General Counsel at AIB, then delivered the keynote address. She shared the series of events that led to her transition in-house, the steep learning curve she faced when stepping into a company as its first in-house counsel, and what legal teams should consider as they look to the future. Nagle delivered a compelling reminder that in-house teams must always stay one step ahead, whether that’s in relation to sector trends, AI or cyber challenges.

The evening concluded with networking and canapés, as attendees reconnected with friends and former colleagues and engaged in lively discussion, making for a vibrant and memorable celebration.