Mason Hayes plans US growth

Mason Hayes & Curran's outgoing managing partner Declan Moylan has promised to increase the Irish firm's international footprint when he takes over the chairmanship next April.

Moylan, who has served three three-year terms as managing partner, has decided not to seek a fourth term in the role, with litigation and employment law head Emer Gilvarry set to take over.

During his time as managing partner Moylan has overseen the firm's expansion into London and New York.

"As chairman I'll look to revitalise the representative functions in London and New York and possibly increase our footprint in the US to 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. We'll gain exposure to that either through a representative office or increased attention to the area."

Moylan added that in New York he will focus on deepening relationships with US corporates, while in London the emphasis will be on gaining a bigger share of the big-ticket transactional work that normally goes to the big five Irish firms. Moylan takes over the chairmanship from Maeve Hayes, who will return to full-time fee-earning in the real estate practice.

Decisions on who will replace Gilvarry as litigation and employment head will be made in the New Year, although Moylan said it was likely the role will be split between two people.