DWF Belfast marks decade of growth

DWF, a global entity in legal and business services, proudly marks the tenth anniversary of its Belfast office. Since its establishment in 2016 following the acquisition of C&H Jefferson, DWF has significantly contributed to Northern Ireland's legal landscape. With a dedicated multidisciplinary team, the Belfast office caters to a diverse clientele in both the public and private sectors, navigating a wide array of legal matters that span the lifecycle of various businesses.

The last decade has been characterised by remarkable growth, primarily fueled by robust client relationships and strategic investments. Notably, headcount has surged by over 20% in the past year alone, bringing the Belfast team to more than 150 professionals. This growth further cements DWF's reputation as one of Northern Ireland's foremost legal employers.

Integral to DWF's success in Belfast has been the collaborative spirit of its workforce. Many team members have been with the firm since it first opened, while newer colleagues have joined and thrived within its high-performing culture. Commenting on the milestone, Julie Galbraith, Managing Partner of DWF in Belfast, said "Celebrating 10 years in Belfast is a milestone we are incredibly proud of. It is a testament to the commitment and talent of our colleagues, the trust of our clients, and the strength of the relationships we have built across Northern Ireland and the wider DWF network."

Galbraith also highlighted the strengths of specific teams within the office, stating "Our Belfast insurance team is a real strength of the office, a market-leading group known for its technical excellence, commercial focus and the quality of its client relationships across the insurance sector." Furthermore, she acknowledged the commercial teams for their reputations in providing pragmatic advice on complex, high-value matters, including international transactions.

Looking to the future, DWF remains committed to investing in its talent and expanding its services. "As we look ahead, we remain firmly committed to investing in our colleagues, growing our capabilities and continuing to support clients with commercially astute counsel as they navigate an increasingly complex business environment, both in Northern Ireland and beyond," Galbraith added.

Matthew Doughty, CEO of DWF, also reflected on the progress made over the past decade, stating "The Belfast office has played an important role in DWF's growth journey over the past 10 years. The team exemplifies our purpose by delivering positive outcomes with our colleagues, clients and communities, through a strong focus on collaboration, innovation and excellence." He expressed gratitude to clients and partners in Northern Ireland for their ongoing support and recognised the critical role of the Belfast team within the broader DWF group.

As DWF celebrates this significant milestone, it reaffirms its dedication to Northern Ireland, determined to continue fostering growth and collaboration in the region.