Patrick Carty

Why ByrneWallace LLP?

I decided to apply to ByrneWallace LLP due to its reputation as being one of Ireland’s largest and most dynamic full-service law firms. During the application process, I was impressed by the level of resources and attention that the firm invests in its trainees. This is particularly the case with one-to-one partner supervision, which ensures that your experience at the firm is tailored to both your interest and needs. Despite its growing size, ByrneWallace LLP continues to maintain a familial environment and considers its trainees not only as essential members of staff, but also the partners of the future. As a trainee, you will have the opportunity to work with some of the leading practitioners in their field and clients who span the commercial and public spectrum.

ByrneWallace LLP prides itself on its work/life balance and this has been evident to me through the very active Sports & Social Club. The firm regularly organises social events to ensure that you have the opportunity to not only build relationships with those within your department, but also those across the wider firm. 

Describe your rotations to date

I have just finished my pre-seat in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department prior to commencing the PCC at the Law Society of Ireland. 

During my rotation, I worked with all members of the team on issues concerning various clients in both the public and private sector. As for the latter, the Litigation team at ByrneWallace LLP advises some of the largest and most important public bodies in Ireland. This enabled me to gain experience in areas such as judicial review, statutory interpretation, injunctions, public procurement, risk advisory, regulatory investigations and enforcement actions. My work here generally involved in-depth legal research, drafting pleadings and assisting with client advices. I was involved in matters concerning commercial clients in more nuanced areas such as data protection and intellectual property law. 

As I worked within litigation, I also had the opportunity to attend court from the District level all the way up to the Court of Appeal. This gave me an insight into court procedures and provided me with a practical understanding of the relationship between solicitors and barristers and how a case is run. The Litigation team endeavoured to ensure that I was provided with countless opportunities to attend court and always explained the legal issues which were in dispute. 

Future at ByrneWallace LLP

I am excited to be starting Blackhall but also look forward to returning to the office to complete three further rotations. Given the breadth of practice areas and the firm’s commitment to ensuring your interests are catered to, I am optimistic about my future with ByrneWallace LLP and to discovering which area of the law I wish to qualify into.