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Irish Law Awards once again demonstrate sector's strength in Ireland
Irish Law Awards once again demonstrate sector's strength in Ireland

Business Post

time8 hours ago

  • Business
  • Business Post

Irish Law Awards once again demonstrate sector's strength in Ireland

Now in its 13th year, the LEAP Irish Law Awards 2025 proved yet again just how ambitious and resilient the Irish law industry really is. The winners were announced at a glamorous gala awards ceremony in Dublin in June 2025, in front of over 500 professionals from across the country, representing a wide range of practice areas, regions and sectors. Hosted by Anton Savage at the Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road, the ceremony also supported The Calcutta Run: The Legal Fundraiser, reinforcing the legal profession's commitment to giving back and supporting those in need both in Ireland and abroad. This year's awards attracted a record number of entries, and the calibre of the shortlist demonstrated the dynamism and resilience of the Irish legal community – a reflection of the talent, passion, and progress within Ireland's legal sector. 'The LEAP Irish Law Awards continue to shine a spotlight on the outstanding achievements and dedication of Ireland's legal professionals,' said Jill Thornton, event organiser, Ashville Media. 'This year's finalists represent the very best in the industry, having demonstrated exceptional skill, innovation, and commitment across a wide range of categories – from ADR, banking and finance, and civil litigation to family law, diversity and inclusion, and innovation.' Richard Hammond SC was the chairperson of the judging panel at this year's Irish Law Awards. 'The Irish Law Awards recognise and celebrate excellence in legal practise over the past year. Every finalist is already a success story; every winner a worthy exemplar. No one present [at the ceremony] needs reminding of the value to our fellow citizens of an independent legal profession replete with dedicated, competent, and energetic practitioners.' This year's awards recognised solicitors, barristers, legal executives, in-house teams, law schools, and students who have gone above and beyond in delivering exemplary service and driving positive change in the legal landscape. Among the many deserving winners on the night, the Lifetime Achievement award was given to former president Mary Robinson and the prestigious Law Firm of the Year award (sponsored by LEAP) was awarded to Blake & Kenny LLP (Connacht/Ulster); Hugh J Ward & Co Solicitors (Dublin); Byrne Carolan Cunningham LLP Solicitors (Leinster); and MHP Sellors LLP (Munster). MHP Sellors LLP was also named the overall award winner. Altogether, 30 award categories were recognised on the night, with many boasting regional as well as overall winners. These individuals and companies join the impressive alumni of previous winners from the 13 years' history of the awards, including leading firms and practitioners such as Lanigan Clarke LLP, Doyle and Company LLP Solicitors, and many others that continue to set benchmarks for professionalism and service in the industry. And once again, the 2025 winning cohort demonstrate the resilience and ambition of Ireland's legal community. As the profession continues to evolve, the awards serve as a reminder of the values that define great legal practice: integrity, service, innovation and leadership. Headline sponsors This year's awards featured a new headline sponsor, LEAP Legal Software, a company that produces innovative legal AI solutions that automate routine tasks, simplify document management, and enhance decision-making – therefore taking a lot of the tedious admin work away from busy law firms. As a support service to the legal profession, supporting the awards was a logical next step for the company. 'Having worked within the Irish legal industry for over a decade, I've witnessed first-hand the dedication, resilience, and excellence that define legal professionals in Ireland,' said Shane Branagan, CEO at LEAP Legal Software. 'These awards are a true celebration of that spirit, recognising the outstanding work of solicitors, legal teams, and firms across the country. At LEAP, we are proud to be part of this community. Since 2018, we've been privileged to support over 2,000 users across more than 450 Irish law firms through our dedicated legal practice management software. 'Having worked with solicitors across Ireland since 2018, we have been a long-term supported of the Irish Law Awards, but this year marked our first year as headline sponsor, underscoring our deep commitment to the legal profession in Ireland and reflects our passion for innovation and excellence.' This year's entries, says Branagan, were among the most impressive yet. 'From speaking daily to our clients, we know firsthand just how hard solicitors across Ireland work on a daily basis and the dedication they show to their clients. Each year their standards continue to rise, demonstrating their ongoing innovation and commitment to excellence.' When asked about any winners that particularly stood out, Branagan says that it's those with an ambitious story that made the most impact on him and the LEAP team. 'While all of the entries were impressive in their own right, we were particularly struck by those who demonstrated a forward-thinking approach – embracing technology, promoting access to justice, or making a meaningful impact in their communities. Those stories truly resonated and highlighted the evolving and vital role solicitors play in Irish society. 'On behalf of the entire LEAP team, I'd like to extend our congratulations to all of the finalists and winners. Their achievements are a testament to the strength and dedication of the Irish legal profession, and we are proud to support and celebrate such excellence within the industry.' As a company that works closely with the legal profession, the LEAP team sees just how hardworking and progressive the sector is – something that is reflected by the awards.'The legal sector in Ireland is filled with incredibly talented, dedicated professionals who care deeply about the quality of their work and the people they serve,' said Branagan. 'We're also seeing more firms embracing legal technology, highlighting that it is a progressive profession and one that is increasingly open to innovation, collaboration, and smarter ways of working. 'We're privileged to support more than 450 Irish law firms through our dedicated legal practice management software. Designed specifically for the Irish legal system, our technology helps solicitors streamline their processes, reduce administrative burdens, and ultimately spend more time doing what they do best: practising law.' Celebrating excellence: Law Awards honour roll • Banking & Finance Legal Team / Lawyer of the Year: BNP Paribas SA, Dublin Branch, Co Dublin • Civil Litigation Law Firm/Lawyer of the Year: Connacht/Ulster: Callan Tansey Solicitors LLP, Co Sligo (Overall Winner) Dublin: Lavelle Partners, Co Dublin Leinster: Fiona Baxter, Baxter Mimnagh Solicitors, Co Longford Munster: McCarthy + Co. Solicitors LLP, Co Cork • Corporate/Commercial Law Team/Lawyer of the Year: Sinead Corcoran, Bon Secours Health System CLG, Co Dublin • Criminal Law Firm/Lawyer of the Year: Michael Hennessy Solicitors, Co Dublin • Diversity and Inclusion Law Firm of the Year: Green & Associates Solicitors, Co Cork • Employment Law Firm/Team/Lawyer of the Year: Connacht/Ulster: Alastair Purdy LLP, Co Galway (Overall Winner) Dublin/Leinster: Wendy Doyle Solicitors, Co Dublin Munster: Ormonde Solicitors, Co Waterford • Excellence & Innovation in Client Services: Connacht/Ulster: Callan Tansey Solicitors LLP, Co Sligo Dublin: State Securities Section Chief State Solicitor's Office, Co Dublin Leinster: Coghlan Kelly Solicitors, Co. Wexford (Overall Winner) Munster: Jacob Law LLP, Co Waterford • Excellence in Communications – Proudly Sponsored by Irish Legal News: The Office of Parliamentary Legal Advisers, Co Dublin • Family Law Firm/Team/Lawyer of the Year: Connacht/Ulster: Geraghty & Co., Solicitors LLP, Co Galway (Overall Winner) Dublin: Carol McGuinness Solicitors, Co Dublin Leinster: Paul Brady & Co. LLP, Co Meath Munster: Marcella Sheehy, Sheehy Solicitors, Co Tipperary • In-House (non-Civil Service/Public Sector) Legal Team/Lawyer of the Year: Allied Irish Banks, plc, Co Dublin • Mental Health and Capacity Law Firm / Team / Lawyer of the Year: Mark Felton, Amorys Solicitors, Co Wicklow • Law Book of the Year: The Assisted Decision-Making Handbook by Emma Slattery, Co Dublin • Law Firm Innovation Award – Proudly Sponsored by Dye & Durham: OSM Partners LLP, Co Dublin • Law School of the Year: School of Law, University of Limerick, Co Limerick • Law Student of the Year: Abdulai Mansaray - Technological University Dublin, Co Dublin • Legal Executive of the Year: Nicola Murray, SMD Solicitors, Co Cork • Legal Educator of the Year: Dr Brian Tobin, University of Galway, Co Galway • Personal Injury/Medical Negligence Law Firm/Team/Lawyer of the Year: Connacht/Ulster: Callan Tansey Solicitors LLP, Co Sligo (Overall Winner) Dublin: HOMS Assist, Co Dublin Leinster: Byrne Carolan Cunningham LLP Solicitors, Co Westmeath Munster: MHP Sellors LLP, Co Clare • Pro Bono Publico/Community Law Firm/Lawyer of the Year: Griffith College Irish Innocence Project, Co Dublin • Probate Law Firm/Team/Lawyer of the Year: Connacht/Ulster: Jordan & Kennelly, Co Mayo Dublin: Lavelle Partners, Co Dublin Leinster: Elaine Byrne Solicitors, Co Meath (Overall Winner) Munster: Sweeney McGann Solicitors LLP, Co Limerick • Property Law Firm/Team/Lawyer of the Year – Proudly Sponsored by LEAP: Connacht/Ulster: Julie Doyle, West Lex Solicitors LLP, Co Mayo Dublin: Coyne Solicitors, Co Dublin Leinster: Byrne Carolan Cunningham LLP Solicitors, Co Westmeath Munster: Kieran Mulcahy Solicitors, Co Limerick (Overall Winner) • Public Sector / Civil Service In-House Legal Team/Lawyer of the Year: International Protection & Human Trafficking Unit, Legal Aid Board, Co Dublin • Service Provider to the Legal Profession: Johnson Hana, Co Dublin • Sole Practitioner of the Year: Connacht/Ulster: Natasha McDermott, McDermott Solicitors, Co Donegal (Overall Winner) Dublin: Crushell & Co., Co Dublin Leinster: Susan Webster, Susan Webster & Company, Co Kildare Munster: Tracie Nolan, Tracie Nolan Solicitors, Co Cork • Sole Principal of the Year: Connacht/Ulster: Carter Anhold & Co Solicitors, Co Sligo Dublin/Leinster: Michael Hennessy, Co Dublin (Overall Winner) Munster: Suzanne Parker, Parker Law Solicitors, Co Waterford • Law Firm of the Year – Proudly Sponsored by LEAP: Connacht/Ulster: Blake & Kenny LLP, Co Galway Dublin: Hugh J Ward & Co Solicitors, Co Dublin Leinster: Byrne Carolan Cunningham LLP Solicitors, Co Westmeath Munster: MHP Sellors LLP, Co Clare (Overall Winner) • Lawyer of the Year: Connacht/Ulster: David McGinley, McGinley Solicitors LLP, Co Donegal Dublin: Paul Tweed, WP Tweed & Co, Co Dublin Leinster: Ciarán Mulholland, Mulholland Law, Co Louth (Overall Winner) Munster: Geraldine Carey Legal Aid Board, Co Cork • ADR Firm/Lawyer of the Year (Regional and National): Eversheds-Sutherland LLP, Co Dublin • Special Merit Award: Phoenix Law, Co Antrim • Lifetime Achievement – Proudly Sponsored by LEAP: Mary Robinson

Strategic planning could save you nearly €1 million for your future
Strategic planning could save you nearly €1 million for your future

Business Post

time3 days ago

  • Business
  • Business Post

Strategic planning could save you nearly €1 million for your future

With the right advice, business owners can grow wealth and reduce their tax burden. In our client's scenario below, we believe seeking our advice was worth €904,000, as it generated €460,000 in additional pension growth and €444,000 in tax savings (including income tax, capital gains tax and corporation tax). Power of financial advice 'Time is money' is a common statement. However, the reality is that today is that smart strategy can drive real results, making expert financial advice essential. According to the 2023 Value of Advice Report by Brokers Ireland: ●Individuals who received financial advice had 60% more in savings and investments (€71,332 vs. €44,754). ●Their pension pots were 55% larger with financial advice, which could mean having €1,300,000 compared to €840,000, a difference of €460,000. ●58% of those who received advice felt more confident and in control of their finances. Tax-efficient wealth extraction Taking money from your business isn't as simple as a salary or dividend; these methods often come with high tax costs. ●Salary: Subject to income tax, pay-related social insurance (PRSI) and universal social charge (USC), totalling up to 52%. ●Dividends: Taxed up to 52%, including PRSI and USC. ●Company assets for personal use: Using company funds to purchase a car for personal use, for example, can trigger Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) and a charge of up to 30%. More efficient options include: ●Pension Contributions: A company can contribute to a pension with no PRSI, USC or BIK. Pension grows tax-free, and contributions are tax-deductible. You can withdraw 25% as a tax-free lump sum when you retire. Since 1 January 2025, PRSA contributions are capped based on salary. ●Hiring Family Members: You can employ your spouse or adult child and lower your tax bill, with their salary and pension contributions reducing corporation tax. ●Employment Investment Incentive Scheme (EIIS): This benefits companies by offering up to 40% tax relief on investments in qualifying Irish businesses, up to €250,000 (four years) or€500,000 (seven years). Exit efficiently If you consider stepping away from your business, having a strategic tax plan can reduce capital gains tax (CGT) through reliefs such as: ●Entrepreneur Relief: This relief can reduce CGT from 33% to 10% on the sale of qualifying business assets, up to a €1 million lifetime limit. ●Retirement Relief: You get full relief when selling at 55–65. After that, it's capped at €3 million. What this looks like in real life Our client Tom* runs a successful business, earning €100,000, with his spouse earning €75,000 as an employee of the business. Tom consulted us to structure the transaction in a tax-efficient manner prior to selling the company for €1.5 million. We advised them to contribute 20% (max allowable by age) of their salaries to PRSAs, €20,000 for Tom and €15,000 for his spouse, resulting in €14,000 in annual income tax savings. Additionally, their company paid 100% of their salaries as employer PRSA contributions, which resulted in annual Corporation Tax savings of almost €22,000. In addition, we helped them save €58,000 in CGT annually on the planned business sale. Combined, these created €80,000 in annual savings, totalling €240,000 over three years. Smart planning boosts wealth When Tom sold the business, he qualified for Entrepreneur Relief, reducing CGT on the first €1 million from 33% to 10%, resulting in a further saving of €230,000. After taking our investment advice, Tom's pension portfolio grew from €840,000 to €1.3 million, an increase of €460,000, in line with the 55% uplift shown in industry research. In total, the strategy delivered €444,000 in tax savings and €460,000 in pension growth, €904,000 overall, highlighting the impact of timely, expert financial planning. Building a business takes dedication, and protecting its value takes smart planning. *Disclaimer: 'Tom' is a fictional client used for illustrative purposes only. The figures and outcomes shown are based on indicative scenarios and should not be taken as financial advice. Individual circumstances vary. Please seek personalised advice from a financial advisor. If you're a business owner looking to grow your wealth, get a quote on With expert guidance from True Wealth, you can protect and maximise what you've worked so hard to build.

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