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Berrymans Lace Mawer is set to launch a new office in Dublin as the top 50 U.K. law firm kicks off an expansion strategy.
The insurance specialist's new practice in the Republic of Ireland, which opens this week, will focus on motor, liability and property damage claims, aiming to create and develop client relationships in the region.
The firm aims to extend its Dublin practice to include professional indemnity, health care, corporate risks and construction work. A team of 12 lawyers and claims handlers, headed up by a partner, will initially be based there, but the firm expects the headcount to increase substantially over the next three years.
The office opening is the first move in the firm's growth strategy, which was devised by senior partner Michael Brown. The Dublin practice will be the first office outside the U.K.
Brown commented: "Our business is driven by the opportunities we develop with our clients. The Irish legal market is facing significant developments and our clients expect us to be alongside them, supporting their objectives.
"We have a strong vision of where we want to be in five years' time and extending the jurisdictions we work with clients in is an important aspect of our strategic vision. We are well placed to work alongside Irish clients who are keen to benefit from our experience of the U.K. claims market."
The expansion comes after the firm announced the hire of a 33-strong personal injury team for its Southampton branch from local practice Lamport Bassitt Solicitors last April. Berrymans in 2011-12 saw its revenues edge up 3 percent to hit 81.2 million pounds, with profits per equity partner of 248,000 pounds.
Berrymans elected health care practice co-head and Manchester partner Mike Brown as its new senior partner in the same month, replacing long-standing chief Terry Renouf.
