‘AI technology is not something to be feared’
STEPHEN HOLST
ACTIVITY The firm continues to be very busy, doing great work across all practice areas for a diverse range of clients. Specifically, we have seen increases in the areas of funds and asset management, aircraft finance, energy, real estate and construction, planning and environmental, data privacy and cyber-risk, tax and litigation, with a particular focus on regulatory matters, investigations and large commercial disputes.
In terms of highlight deals I would particularly reference our role in the following:
Advising WestRock on its agreed combination with Smurfit Kappa to create Smurfit WestRock.
Advising Standard Chartered/Pembroke Group in connection with the $3.6bn disposal of its aircraft leasing platform to AviLease.
Advising AIB in connection with its acquisition of a €5.7bn tracker mortgage book from Ulster Bank/NatWest Group.
AI For many years we have been using a suite of AI-powered tools in the areas of discovery, investigations and due diligence. From the outset, our approach to generative AI has been to remain cautiously inquisitive and carefully ambitious. Overall, our view is that AI has the potential to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the quality of legal services provided to clients. Our key message is that the technology is not something to be feared, but to be better understood, particularly in understanding the right questions to ask.
OUTLOOK 2023 was undoubtedly a somewhat subdued year for businesses. However, as we move into the second quarter of 2024, there is a growing sense of confidence that the tide is turning. In anticipation of lower borrowing costs, we expect to see a greater focus on growth and investment and transactional activity amongst businesses over the course of 2024 and 2025.
As a diverse firm with practice areas covering virtually every sector in the economy, we expect demand for our services to remain strong for the remainder of 2024 and into 2025. The environment in which businesses operate is very complex, and we see a sustained need for specialist advice in complex areas of law for domestic, public, private and international businesses alike.