Edel Conway, Corporate Partner, Holmes explains how the corporate team in Holmes respond to clients’ changing needs.  Edel joined Holmes as Corporate Partner in October 2024 following the merger of commercial law firm OCWM Law LLP with Holmes.  The combined firm offers commercial law services to clients across corporate finance/M & A, commercial, commercial real estate, banking, litigation, employment, regulatory, insolvency and restructuring as well as commercial dispute resolution.

What do you see as the main points that differentiate Holmes from your competitors?

The Holmes Corporate Department is a core group of experienced and commercial practitioners who have expertise in complex corporate matters like M&A, private equity, restructuring and regulatory compliance, recognised in Legal 500 rankings.  We focus on being a highly responsive department providing personalised and partner-led legal advice with strong long-term client relationships. We provide competitive pricing structures relative to larger firms. We also sponsor local enterprise and entrepreneurial development programs. We have cultivated strong local networks with local businesses across the country and including the west of Ireland as our head office is located in Limerick.

Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?

Despite current market volatility, companies with strong balance sheets are continuing to pursue strategic acquisitions, especially in insurance, finance, healthcare and energy. Private equity activity is also rebounding in certain sectors. Growth in AI, cybersecurity threats and new data protection laws are also driving demand for our legal services. Companies are investing in proactive compliance and internal investigations to minimize regulatory risk. Tech and fintech startups continue to attract funding. Legal support around structuring investments, IP protection and governance is also in demand. Companies are also seeking legal advice on workforce restructuring, compliance and hybrid work legalities.

A number of those sectors such as healthcare, insurance, finance and energy continue to be strong as they maintain demand for their goods or services regardless of economic conditions.

What's the main change you've made in the firm that will benefit clients?

We have introduced cloud based platforms to allow clients real-time access to transaction and compliance documentation.  Our focus is on being strategic business partners offering more agile, commercial and tech enabled legal support.

Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?

Yes, technology is significantly changing how we interact with clients and deliver services.

Client portals, secure messaging platforms and virtual data rooms enable real-time updates and secure sharing of documents. Collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams or Zoom have replaced many in-person meetings. Clients rightly expect transparency and faster turnaround and technology helps us meet those expectations. With sensitive corporate data involved in transactions, we have invested in cybersecurity measures, using tech-driven compliance systems.

Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?

A recent example of this is where a successful mid size family owned manufacturing company wanted to raise capital to expand operations and modernize facilities. In advance of the proposed investment, we reviewed the company’s corporate records, governance documents and contracts and advised on what further actions needed to be taken to make the business “investor-ready”.  We negotiated the investment documents and distilled the points to be agreed to a small finite list. The company secured its investment in a timely manner and avoided delays or deal risks by being proactive with the legal preparation and understanding what key points to negotiate on the investment documents.

Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms - where do you see the firm in three years’ time?

Clients are increasingly seeking stability and strategic direction from their legal corporate advisers – not just legal problem solving. They are looking for legal corporate advisers who understand their business, anticipate legal and market shifts, and proactively guide them through growth, risk, transformation and exit. Clients rightly expect a reliable service and knowledge of their business; guidance on deals, governance, compliance and practical and relevant legal advice. Lawyers who speak the language of business, not just law.

I would see the corporate department in three years’ time being fully integrated with business operations, leveraging AI, automation and legal tech tools to streamline workflows and playing its part in influencing broader company culture and ESG initiatives.