LK Shields Solicitors LLP and Byrne Wallace merged at the beginning of 2025 to form Byrne Wallace Shields LLP, which houses a deep bench of seasoned specialists in its employment law practice and is singled out as being a go-to for public authorities. In particular, the firm is known for its expertise in Protected Disclosures advice. Head of the firm’s public sector group Michelle Ní Longáin leads the practice and specialises in equality law. Having garnered over three decades of experience, core to Michael Kennedy's practice is wrongful dismissals and trade disputes, while Lorraine Smyth’s areas of specialty include restraint of trade and change management matters. Aoife Bradley has significant experience with unfair dismissal claims, disciplinary proceedings, and with disputes involving senior executives. Litigation lawyer Suzanne Keenan, who joined in June 2024, is well placed to advise on employment disputes. Other highlighted members of the team are Emmet Whelan and Loughlin Deegan. Ciara Ruane departed the firm in January 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Emmet Whelan is a very good employment lawyer that we have worked with for many years. He consistently provides good clear advice, is very available and turns work around quickly.’
‘Loughlin Deegan goes well beyond expectations. He is superb, very responsive and provides excellent advice. Most of all, he goes beyond the norm to provide excellent customer service.'
‘The teams in Byrne Wallace Shields are subject matter experts, creative and practical and work to find the best solution to fit your company and the issue at hand. They keep up to date with what is happening in employment law and anything that impacts on this. I deal with Elaine Kelly, Michael Kennedy, Michelle Ní Longáin, Loughlin Deegan and I highly recommend them.'
‘Elaine Kelly - I would like to especially call out Elaine Kelly. Elaine handles our employment litigation and also advises us on the non contentious side. Elaine adopts a partnership approach anticipating our needs and finding practical creative solutions to employment issues. She is super responsive, thinks around corners, and is an adept and tough litigator.'
‘Byrne Wallace Shields has provided employment law advice to our company for 30 years. Although this means we are not well placed to compare them with peers, we have found their support and guidance invaluable during that period on all aspects of employment law. They are regarded as a market-leading practice in this field.’
‘Michael Kennedy is confident, accurate and sure-footed as an adviser in this area.’
Key clients
- The Irish Civil Service
- CRH plc
- The Irish Times
- The Law Society of Ireland
- Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland
- Local Government Management Agency
- Smurfit Kappa
- The Central Bank of Ireland
- The Irish Prison Service
- Ireland’s Environmental Protection Agency
- Bulgari Ireland Limited
- Universal Music Ireland Limited
Work highlights
Represented the Supreme Court in the matter of Article 26 of the Constitution and Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2022.
Advised the Department of Public Expenditure NPD Delivery and Reform on the Protected Disclosures Act Statutory Guidances for public bodies and prescribed persons.
Advised the Defence Forces and the Department of Defence on employment equality, maternity, harassment, sexual harassment, and bullying matters.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Leading partners
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Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Michelle Ní Longáin
Other key lawyers
Michael Kennedy; Loughlin Deegan; Emmet Whelan; Elaine Kelly; Aoife Bradley; Lorraine Smyth; Suzanne Keenan