Irish law in an international context
Burke Legal acts as lead Irish counsel to international corporations across the breadth of corporate law, from governance and directors' duties through disputes and enforcement to restructuring and winding up. The firm advises on the application of Irish law to cross-border contracts and obligations, questions of forum and jurisdiction, and the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments, awards and proceedings before the Irish courts. Instructions typically form part of a wider multi-jurisdictional mandate, with the firm acting alongside counsel in London, New York and across Europe.
The firm's founder is admitted in Ireland, England and Wales, New York and the British Virgin Islands, and practised in the London and New York offices of leading international law firms and as in-house counsel before establishing Burke Legal. That cross-qualification, together with a grounding in European law, ensures that Irish advice is framed with regard to the governing law and procedural requirements of the other jurisdictions engaged, both onshore and offshore. She is also a Partner at Nexa Law in England and Wales, so English law advice can be given directly rather than only coordinated with English counsel.*
The firm acts for companies based in Europe, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Asia. Clients include corporates and their boards, investors and shareholders, creditors and counterparties, and international law firms requiring Irish counsel.
Ireland's position in international structures
Ireland combines membership of the European Union with a common law legal system, a specialist Commercial Court and close commercial ties to the United Kingdom and the United States. Irish holding companies, financing vehicles and operating subsidiaries are embedded in a significant proportion of international corporate groups. As a result, Irish law is frequently engaged in disputes, enforcement actions and restructurings centred in other jurisdictions.
The Irish courts are regularly called upon to recognise, assist or give effect to steps taken elsewhere. Ireland may therefore serve as a forum in which a position is secured, and not merely as the place of incorporation. Early analysis of the Irish position, whether in the context of a board decision, a transaction or a dispute, can materially affect both strategy and outcome.
To discuss the Irish law aspects of a corporate or cross-border matter, please contact the firm.
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* English law advice is provided through Nexa Law Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA ID 633024), and not through Burke Legal.