Suzanne Keenan is a Partner in the firm’s Employment Law Team. 

Initially practising employment law in Northern Ireland for 12 years before joining ByrneWallace LLP, Suzanne has a wealth of experience in her field. 

Suzanne advises clients on best practice in employment law to safeguard business reputation, improve retention rates and minimise the risks of litigation. She has advised on a broad range of employment matters including; employment contracts, employment policies, disciplinary procedures, conduct issues, capability issues, management of sickness, terminations (including redundancies), termination agreements, grievances, restrictive covenants, dispute resolution, equality and diversity, whistleblowing, recruitment procedures, employee benefit schemes and Transfer of Undertakings for relevant business transfers.

In recognition of her work Suzanne was named a finalist in the following awards: 

• Inspirational Women in Law Awards (UK) – 2017;

• Professional Services (Small business) – Women in Business Awards (NI) – 2019; and

• Professional Services (Corporate) – Women in Business Awards (NI) – 2023. 

Suzanne has also contributed commentary in the media on developments in employment law. 

With a strong background in litigation, Suzanne is well positioned to represent clients in employment disputes in courts and employment fora.  

Key Experience

• Advising an employer on a substantial redundancy procedure involving multiple jurisdictions as well as collective consultation.

• Defending proceedings brought against a professional services employer for gender discrimination and bringing the litigation to a successful conclusion.

• Advising on senior executive exits including negotiating and drafting related agreements.

• Advising on a change of service provision which triggered Transfer of Undertakings obligations. This included providing urgent advices on employee information, correspondence with the outgoing provider as well as consultation with employees.

• Acting for various academics in employment disputes against Education Sector employers.

• Acting for medical professionals in disputes involving whistleblowing, restrictions on practice and internal processes.

Qualifications

• LLB BSc Law with Economics, University of Ulster, 2007

• Diploma in Professional Legal Studies, Institute of Professional Legal Studies-Queen's University Belfast, 2011

• Admitted to the Roll of Solicitors, Northern Ireland, 2011

• Certificate in Advanced Advocacy, Law Society for Northern Ireland & National Institute for Trial Advocacy, 2017

• Admitted to the Roll of Solicitors, Ireland, 2019

Memberships

• Member of the Law Society of Ireland