Byrne Wallace Shields sets up sports-law practice
Byrne Wallace Shields LLP is launching a specialist sports-law group designed to support organisations and businesses operating within Ireland’s fast-evolving sports industry.
The new group will be headed by Peter McKenna, former Irish rugby international and a partner at the firm.
The new group will advise sporting organisations, athletes, event operators, sponsors, and technology innovators on the full range of legal issues shaping modern sport — from governance and regulatory compliance to contracts, sports tech, image rights, data privacy, and commercial partnerships.
Byrne Wallace Shields LLP was formed in January of this year through the merger of ByrneWallace and LK Shields Solicitors.
This was the largest legal merger to have taken place in the Irish market. The firm now employs 430 staff, including 220 solicitors.
Peter McKenna (head of the sports law group) said that the decision to set up a dedicated group to focus on sports law reflected the increasingly complex environment in which the sports industry operates:
“The Irish sports sector is dynamic, ambitious, and evolving amidst new legal and commercial pressures."
Tailored advice
“Our sports-law group is designed to meet that challenge — providing expert, tailored advice to enable clients navigate the complexity, manage the risk, and realise their full potential. Our mission is simple: to help our clients thrive.”
Managing partner Feargal Brennan said: “Byrne Wallace Shields LLP is committed to innovative service development and delivery in line with the needs of our clients and industry.
“With the resources of our newly merged firm, we are uniquely placed to offer commercial support to sporting organisations in this evolving area of legal expertise. Peter McKenna joined the partnership recently and will lead a multi-disciplinary team spanning a wide variety of practice areas.”