European law firm Fieldfisher is expanding into Northern Ireland creating 125 new legal and business support jobs. The new office will add to the firm’s international office network with services including Document Negotiation and Legal Support teams.

NI growth

Over the next three years Fieldfisher will be building its team in Northern Ireland with 125 roles across a range of functions. With an average salary in the mid £20,000s this investment will generate over £3.6million in annual salaries. Fieldfisher is the latest law firm choosing Northern Ireland to grow its business. Alastair Hamilton, ceo of Invest Northern Ireland said ‘Northern Ireland’s legal sector has gone from strength to strength and has attracted several of the UK’s Top 50 firms. This is one of the priority sectors for inward investment and we are delighted Fieldfisher has joined this growing sector.’ Invest NI has offered £630,000 towards the creation of the new jobs. Michael Chissick, managing partner at Fieldfisher, said ‘We began exploring Northern Ireland as a base for this new office in early 2017, attracted by the stable supply of experienced and skilled people. Northern Ireland is the next strategic stage in our continued growth. ‘ Mr Chissick explained the new jobs would ‘include senior positions in legal and risk management, as well as middle level technical and business support roles.’ Graduates will also be recruited, drawing on ‘the strong partnership between academia and industry.’

Donaldson tie-up

Fieldfisher has also established a strategic partnership with Holywood firm Donaldson Legal Services, now Donaldson Legal Consulting LLP, which took effect in late 2017. Alison Donaldson, Managing Partner of Donaldson Legal Consulting, will also become Managing Partner of Fieldfisher Belfast. She commented, ‘our partnership with Fieldfisher has been very successful and the services we provide have helped the firm maintain its competitive edge, particularly in the financial services sector.’