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Global labour-law specialist to open Dublin office

GQ Littler, a specialist employment law firm and the British arm of global employment law firm Littler, is opening an office in Dublin, to be led by employment lawyer Niall Pelly.

The move follows expansion in 2020 into Brazil, Spain, Poland and Austria.

Current co-managing directors of Littler, Tom Bender and Jeremy Roth, commented: “Niall is a highly regarded lawyer with extensive international experience, and his addition further strengthens our ability to represent multinational corporations in their most sophisticated labour and employment matters.”

Key player

“Ireland has become an increasingly key player in the European and global economies, which is why Niall’s understanding of the country and his impressive reputation in the market make him a strong addition that fits well into our global expansion strategy,” added Erin Webber, who will take the role of Littler’s managing director on 15 January.

Mr Pelly advises companies on all aspects of employment law and workplace issues, with a particular emphasis on complex, high-value litigation, such as whistleblowing claims and High Court employment injunctions.

Multinational clients

He works with a variety of large national and multinational clients across various sectors, including technology, pharmaceuticals, and financial services.

Pelly is qualified to practice in Ireland, England & Wales and New York, and has worked for leading international law firms in London.

He is active in the Employment Lawyers’ Association, the International Bar Association, and the European Employment Lawyers’ Association.

Leading destination

“Ireland is home to many of Europe’s most innovative and well-respected companies, and is a leading destination for corporations looking to expand their international operations,” Pelly said.

“I was drawn by the opportunity to work with a talented team, both in the UK and globally, and for my clients to benefit from Littler’s innovative technology and global resources that are uniquely focused on the resolution of employment and workplace issues.”

Stephan Swinkels, a Littler shareholder who helps lead the development and integration of the firm’s global practice, added: “Ireland is one of the world’s most robust economies. And as the Dublin-London relationship and Ireland’s connection to the United States remain in lockstep, our expansion in Ireland will strengthen our service to clients.”

TCD graduate

Pelly is a law graduate from TCD, and has a diploma in employment law from University College Dublin.

Littler now has more than 1,600 lawyers across 25 countries. Its services include employment, immigration, data privacy, and employee tax and incentives.

Its client base spans financial services, technology, healthcare, professional services and luxury goods, in Britain and internationally.