Belfast law firm expands and re-launches with new directors, new name and ambitious plans for growth..'pound for pound we are one of the top contract and procurement law specialists on the island'

Three local construction lawyers have joined forces to launch a new specialist law firm in Northern Ireland.

Jamie Ritchie and Stefan Berry have joined ranks with Kenny Caldwell, who established Caldwell Solicitors in 2017, to create Caldwell Ritchie Berry - a law practice with market-leading expertise in construction and procurement law across the UK and Ireland.

The firm will operate from Belfast with an office in Dublin and will service clients locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

The partners bring extensive experience advising clients across multiple jurisdictions, including Ireland, the USA, Europe, Scandinavia, Africa, and the Middle East, on matters spanning project conception, implementation, delivery, and aftercare.

Director Kenny Caldwell said: “Since our establishment, we have built what in many respects is an understated firm becoming one of Ireland's go-to names in construction law, balancing local expertise with multi-jurisdictional reach.

"We have gone about our business quietly, humbly, and respectful of the discretion expected of us by our clients. I see the coming together of Caldwell Ritchie Berry as the natural next stage of our progress; a recognition of the talent that’s been alongside me, and a welcoming of new talent into the firm.

“The firm's core market advantage is its intricate and prime focus on the whole life cycle of construction projects, combined with the strength of having three dedicated partners finding fresh, practical and smarter ways to help clients deliver their wider goals.

"Our structure allows us to compete and engage with larger firms on major projects while offering clients greater accessibility, director-led advice and more competitive pricing.

“The in-depth experience of our three directors within this specialist practice area makes us pound for pound one of the top contract and procurement law specialists on the island.”

The firm’s client portfolio is diverse and international, including developers, investment vehicles, Irish and UK companies, NASDAQ-listed companies, and public sector organisations across Great Britain, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland.

Director Jamie Ritchie, who formerly served as partner and head of Projects and Construction at LK Shields (and later a Partner with Byrne Wallace Shields) in Dublin, said that over the last five years in particular, the number of adjudications had grown in the Republic, with tighter margins cited as one major factor. This will be a key area of focus for the new firm.

Mr Ritchie said domestic construction companies were facing many contractual challenges with supply chain issues, skilled labour shortages, ongoing market adjustments and uncertainty around availability of full funding for projects.

He explained: “Consequently, we are increasingly seeing local contractors and consultants working internationally. Irish contractors often prefer local lawyers to represent their interests when working abroad and this is an aspect of our offering where we can really excel for our clients. "Essentially, wherever our clients go, we have the capability to follow.”

Director Stefan Berry, who joined Kenny Caldwell in 2019, said the expanded firm will actively target growth in both the Republic of Ireland and the UK, primarily driven by the directors’ existing networks.

He added the company was also planning to grow its headcount, engaging those who aligned with the culture, values and philosophy of Caldwell Ritchie Berry.