Mason Hayes managing partner steps up to chairman

Irish firm Mason Hayes & Curran's managing partner Declan Moylan is to step down after three terms in the role, taking up the position of chairman instead.

Moylan, who steps down at the end of March after nine years as managing partner, will be replaced by Emer Gilvarry. She is currently head of litigation and employment law.

According to Gilvarry the firm has developed its range of services and expertise under Moylan's leadership, expanding into areas of legal practice that reflect the strong growth of the Irish economy over that period.

She added that, under his tenure, turnover and staff numbers have increased with the firm also opening offices in London and New York.

In his role as chairman Moylan, who replaces Maeve Hayes, will focus on client work as well as the strategic development of the firm and it international policy.

Having overseen Mason Hayes & Curran's expansion into London and New York, where the firm has representative offices, Moylan said a presence on the West Coast of America is on the cards.

"As chairman I will look to revitalise the representative functions in London and New York and possibly increase our footprint in the US onto the West Coast," he said. "If you look at the level of inward investment to Ireland from the US a lot comes from the West Coast."