'This investment sends a powerful message': European law firm opens new Northern Ireland office as workforce tops 300
Fieldfisher has invested in a new base in the city, creating more than 100 jobs this year as it continues its rapid growth in Northern Ireland
European law firm Fieldfisher has officially opened its new Belfast office in a move that marks a significant milestone in its growth in Northern Ireland.
The move represents a significant investment in Belfast and provides a strong platform for the firm’s next phase of growth. Since relocating to the new office in May, the firm has welcomed almost 50 new joiners and more than 100 since January – increasing headcount from a team of five people in 2018 to more than 300 employees today.
Recruitment continues at pace, with the firm already exceeding the initial 90 roles planned as part of the first phase of growth and continuing to invest in new talent to support its expanding services and capabilities.
More than 100 guests from across Northern Ireland's business, political and academic communities gathered for the opening event earlier this month, which was officially opened by First Minister Michelle O'Neill MLA.
Senior leaders from across Fieldfisher's UK and wider European network also travelled to Belfast to mark this important milestone for the firm.
The event celebrated the firm’s growth in Belfast and the increasingly important role the office plays within Fieldfisher’s international operations.
Guests included representatives from Northern Ireland's business community, local universities, Invest Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Office and a range of public and private sector organisations.
As part of the day's programme, Fieldfisher hosted a business roundtable discussion exploring Belfast's growing reputation as a destination for international investment and professional services. Participants, including John Healy, chair of Invest NI, Clare Guinness, CEO of Belfast Chamber and Chris McCracken, managing director of Linen Quarter BID, discussed the city's strengths in talent, innovation and international connectivity, as well as the opportunities for continued economic development.
Fieldfisher’s Belfast office has evolved into a centre of operational excellence supporting the firm’s UK and European operations. Bringing together expertise from a wide range of specialist functions, the Business Services Centre in Belfast plays an increasingly important role in delivering high-quality services to clients and colleagues across the firm's international network.
The opening reflects Fieldfisher’s continued investment in its European platform which comprises over 2,200 people across 28 offices in 14 countries and is recognised as one of Europe's leading full-service law firms, with particular expertise spanning the technology, financial services, energy and life sciences sectors.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA said: “It was a pleasure to officially open Fieldfisher’s new Belfast office and to mark this important stage in the company’s growth. Since 2018, Fieldfisher has expanded significantly, creating hundreds of high-quality jobs with its Belfast office now playing an important role within its international operations.
“This is exactly the kind of investment we are working to attract – businesses choosing to grow here because they recognise the strength of our people and our economy. It’s also a clear vote of confidence in Belfast as a place to do business, innovate and succeed, and I wish the entire Fieldfisher team continued success for the future.”
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly explained: "This investment sends a powerful message that Belfast and Northern Ireland are places where businesses can grow and expand with confidence. The expansion of this business, the Fieldfisher’s ambitious growth plans and highlights the strength of our local talent and highly skilled workforce.
“Northern Ireland is increasingly recognised for its highly skilled business and professional services and investments like this create high quality jobs, strengthen our economy and provide new opportunities for people to build rewarding careers here. I welcome this announcement which is a strong endorsement of our people, our potential and our future."
Stuart Marks, director of the Belfast Business Services Centre at Fieldfisher, added: "This marks a significant milestone for everyone at Fieldfisher. Our Belfast office has grown from a small team into a vital part of our international business, and this investment reflects our long-term confidence in the city and its talent. We’re continuing to invest in that growth – not just in headcount, but in building skills, expanding capabilities and fostering the innovative, growth mindset that will see Belfast play an even bigger role in the firm’s future."
Rob Shooter, managing partner at Fieldfisher, concluded: "Belfast is a core part of our European strategy. The strength of talent here, combined with a dynamic business environment and a highly collaborative ecosystem, makes it a standout location for delivering innovative, high-quality support to our clients and colleagues across Europe and beyond. It’s fantastic to mark this milestone alongside the many partners and stakeholders who have been part of the Belfast story."