WEALTH April 21, 2026 0 Comments

Maples Group’s Bold 20-Year Play in Ireland: Meet the Four Senior Lawyers Set to Revolutionize the Game

Ever wonder what it takes for a law firm to not just survive but truly thrive for two decades in the cutthroat Irish market? Well, Maples and Calder (Ireland) LLP is answering that question loud and clear with a bold move: a major expansion of their real estate practice, ushering in four top-tier senior lawyers just as they celebrate 20 years on Irish soil. This isn’t your everyday hiring spree—it’s a savvy blend of nurturing homegrown talent and snapping up seasoned experts like Gillian Beechinor and Andrew Ion, all fueling a powerhouse that’s primed to tackle the surging demand for real estate and construction legal services across Ireland. With the firm fresh off a slew of internal promotions and setting sights on a future where collaboration and global reach take center stage, it’s clear Maples is playing the long game—deepening capabilities while making waves in the industry. Curious to see how this story unfolds as they gear up for a new headquarters and further dominance? Dive in. LEARN MORE

Maples and Calder (Ireland) LLP has announced a major expansion of its Irish real estate practice, appointing four senior lawyers as it marks 20 years in the Irish market.

The law firm, part of the Maples Group, has recruited partners Gillian Beechinor and Andrew Ion, alongside Of Counsel David McClelland and associate Killian Breen.

The hires are aimed at strengthening the firm’s real estate and construction capabilities amid sustained growth in demand for Irish legal services.

The move follows a recent round of internal promotions, which saw seven senior lawyers elevated to partner and Of Counsel roles.

The firm said the combined approach of developing internal talent while attracting senior external hires remains central to its long-term growth strategy.

The expansion comes during a milestone period for the business.

Since entering Ireland in 2006 as the first international law firm to challenge the traditional domestic legal market, the Maples Group has grown to become the largest international law firm operating in the State.

Its Irish practice and lawyers are consistently ranked among the top tiers in major legal directories.

Peter Stapleton, EMEA Regional Managing Partner, said the latest appointments reflect both market demand and the firm’s ambition to deepen its service offering.

“We are delighted to welcome Gillian, Andrew, Killian and David to our real estate practice in Ireland,” he said.

“Their combined expertise significantly strengthens our offering at a time of exciting growth for the firm. As we celebrate 20 years in Ireland, these appointments underscore our commitment to investing in our people and expanding our capabilities.”

Ion, who joins as Head of Real Estate and partner, said he was attracted by the firm’s international reach and collaborative platform.

“I am very excited to join Maples’ highly regarded real estate practice and its global platform,” he said.

“I look forward to working with colleagues across jurisdictions to provide pragmatic, commercially focused advice that supports clients’ evolving strategic objectives.”

Beechinor highlighted the firm’s global footprint as a key factor in her decision to join.

“Joining an international firm with a presence and on-the-ground experience in multiple jurisdictions made the Maples Group very attractive to me,” she said.

“I am excited to collaborate with colleagues in Ireland and across the global network.”

The expanded team will work closely with the firm’s other core practice areas, including funds and investment management, finance and banking, corporate, tax and regulatory services.

The Dublin office has seen a series of senior hires over the past year, reflecting what the firm described as “exceptional growth” driven by increasing demand from international clients.

Separately, the Maples Group recently confirmed plans to relocate its Irish operations to a redeveloped headquarters at 75 St Stephen’s Green.

The move, expected to be completed in 2028, will bring all Dublin-based teams together under one roof, with the aim of enhancing collaboration and delivering more integrated client services.

Photo: (L-R): Killian Breen, Andrew Ion, Peter Stapleton (EMEA Regional Managing Partner), Gillian Beechinor and David McClelland. Pic Orla Murray/Coalesce