Support hubs grow, mergers continue

International law firms continue to expand their legal services hubs in Belfast

Belfast has become widely recognised as a major legal support hub over the past decade as a host of prominent law firms have taken advantage of what the city has to offer: a competitive business environment, a high-quality, experienced pool of legal talent, and progressive universities. Some of those who have set up shop there have also gone on to launch local training contract programmes.

Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) opened a Belfast office in April 2011 – the first near-shore operation to be launched by an international law firm. The office has grown from 19 fee-earners when it opened to more than 200 today.