(January 12, 2021) – GQ|Littler, a leading specialist employment law firm and the UK arm of Littler, the world’s largest employment and labour law practice representing management, has opened an office in Dublin. The Ireland office will be led by partner Niall Pelly, an experienced attorney who joins from a leading Irish law firm.
The move extends the reach of Littler’s robust global footprint and follows expansions in 2020 into Spain, Poland and Austria, as well as Brazil through a correspondent counsel relationship.
“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,” said Tom Bender and Jeremy Roth, current co-managing directors of Littler, in a joint statement. “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 January 15.
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. He works with a variety of large national and multinational clients across various sectors including technology, pharmaceuticals and financial services.
“We are excited to welcome Niall to the firm and about the connections and experience he has amassed working out of Dublin and London for nearly two decades,” said Jon Gilligan, founder and managing partner for GQ|Littler. “His addition will further enhance what we can offer to clients in Ireland, the UK and globally. Opening a new office in Dublin will also bolster Littler’s market-leading ability to provide international businesses with customised counsel on the most complex labour and employment matters, complemented by innovative tools and technology resources.”
Pelly is qualified to practice in Ireland, England & Wales and New York, and worked for several years with leading international law firms in London. He is active in the Employment Lawyers Association, the International Bar Association, and the European Employment Lawyers Association.
“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.”
“Ireland is one of the world’s most robust economies,” said Stephan Swinkels, a Littler shareholder who helps lead the development and integration of the firm’s global practice. “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.”
Pelly earned a Bachelor in Laws degree from Trinity College Dublin and a diploma in employment law from University College Dublin. He frequently speaks, publishes and conducts trainings on employment-related topics. Pelly has been recognised as a leading labour and employment lawyer by such organisations as Chambers Europe (which noted Pelly as being “held in high regard by the market, with several sources noting his experience gained working in London”) and European Legal 500 (in which he was noted as “an absolute standout adviser”).
Littler now has more than 1,600 attorneys across 25 countries. The firm’s international operations span four continents – North America, South America, Asia and Europe – and include Austria, Belgium, Brazil (via a correspondent counsel relationship), Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, France, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Poland, Singapore, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States (including Puerto Rico) and Venezuela. The firm’s global capabilities also comprise lawyers with exceptional international experience, including practitioners dually licensed in the U.S. and Australia, Brazil, Japan and South Africa, respectively.
About GQ|Littler
GQ|Littler is a leading specialist law firm for employers in the UK and the London office of Littler. Offering risk-based contentious and non-contentious advice, our legal service includes employment, immigration, data privacy and employee tax and incentives. Our client base spans a wide range of sectors including financial services, technology, healthcare, professional services and luxury goods, in the UK and internationally. GQ|Littler is recognised as a leader in its field by both Chambers & Partners and Legal 500, which describes the firm as an “excellent team with strength and depth in every aspect.” For more information, visit www.gqlittler.com.
About Littler
With more than 1,600 labor and employment attorneys in offices around the world, Littler provides workplace solutions that are local, everywhere. Our diverse global team and proprietary technology foster a culture that celebrates original thinking, delivering groundbreaking innovation that prepares employers for what’s happening today, and what’s likely to happen tomorrow.
