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Noel Smyth-founded HMBO acquired by Clark Hill

HBMO Solicitors, formerly Noel Smyth and Partners, has been acquired by US law firm Clark Hill (21 August).

Ten solicitors from HBMO Solicitors will now move to Clark Hill along with support staff, bringing the total Dublin office cohort to 31.

HBMO Solicitors specialises in commercial property, litigation, corporate, M&A, banking, and private client services.

The combination brings to 31 the number of solicitors Clark Hill now has in its Dublin office, with a network of over 700 lawyers across multiple US states, and Mexico.

Ten solicitors – including Colman Bermingham, Hugh O'Neill, and Ronan Hannigan, and a full support staff – will transition to Clark Hill.

Bermingham and O'Neill are renowned for their involvement in major property deals – including a range of shopping-centre and office developments.

Hannigan is a distinguished commercial litigator who has handled headline cases and commercial disputes before the Irish courts. He also provides counsel and guidance in corporate mergers and acquisitions.

“Being part of an international law firm in an increasingly amalgamated global economy has incredible benefit to our clients,” noted Hannigan. “Access to transatlantic legal resources will add significant value to the support we provide.”

Talented

"We are delighted to welcome the talented team of HBMO Solicitors to Clark Hill. This combination enhances our ability to deliver exceptional legal services in Ireland and beyond,” said Kirby Tarrant, member-in-charge of the Clark Hill Dublin office.

"It is an important step in our expansion plans and presents new opportunities for young solicitors to advance their careers within a growing international law firm."

Clark Hill chief executive John Hensien said that expanding in Ireland was a strategic goal.

"Ireland's significance as a strategic location for international business, and its position in terms of two-way transatlantic economic investment, continues to reinforce the importance of our Irish presence, and our ability to provide seamless, full-service legal support on both sides of the Atlantic," he said.

Differentiating

"This presence within the EU is an important and differentiating element of our offering."

The HBMO Solicitors team will relocate to Clark Hill's offices at Percy Place, Dublin 4.