The Legal Cheek View
Dechert’s (pronounced deck-urt) ancestry stretches back to 1875 Philadelphia, but the firm as we know it today is a product of mergers and name changes, evolving from a boutique outfit serving railroads and banks into a full-service international player and the first major US firm to plant a flag in Dublin in 2010. This early move set the tone for Dechert’s Dublin presence, which from day one was all about an ambitious growth path built on deep local roots and global heritage, with a strong focus on investment funds.
There are nearly 1,000 Dechert lawyers worldwide, with the firm’s footprint spanning the US, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. In Ireland, funds remain the name of the game. This means advising asset managers on setting up Irish-domiciled investment funds such as UCITS and AIFs, handling regulatory approvals, and structuring vehicles to distribute across Europe and beyond. A large chunk of their work involves helping UK and US fund managers establish operations in Ireland, a popular post-Brexit trend that Dechert has ridden with aplomb. The firm boasts that it was the first to have a funds practice in all key European fund hubs, including Dublin. Beyond this, the office’s expertise extends to related areas such as finance, corporate support for fund transactions, and regulatory advice.
In late 2019 Dechert upsized its office space, citing a significant increase in client demand. The team has expanded accordingly. What started as a small foothold in 2010 is now a serious funds platform, led by managing partner Carol Widger and supported by a deep bench of financial services and investment management lawyers. The office’s client wins are not splashed on the front pages, as fund launches tend to be quieter than M&A deals. But, make no mistake, if it involves pooled assets or complex fund structures, Dechert Dublin is likely at the forefront. To give a flavour of the work, Dublin mandates have included advising on a net zero carbon real estate fund for a European investment manager, the cross-border merger of an Irish UCITS fund with a Luxembourg UCITS fund, and Irish credit and loan origination platform work for a global credit manager. Put simply, Dechert Dublin helps asset managers launch, reshape and move investment funds across borders — often in areas, such as sustainable investing and private credit, that are right at the cutting edge of the funds market.
Dechert’s global financial services group now counts over 200 lawyers firm-wide, and Dublin is a key part of that operation. The message from headquarters is clear — Dublin is a growth market.
The Dublin office sits at 5 Earlsfort Terrace opposite the National Concert Hall. The building exudes sleek corporate chic, with a reflective façade, two added floors and an urban plaza out front fitted with landscaped gardens, stone benches and water features for peace and flair. It has top-notch sustainability credentials and is certified LEED Platinum. Inside, Dechert boasts high ceilings, WiredScore Platinum connectivity and plenty of natural light with other businesses, offering a boutique office feel.
The location is hard to beat. It is less than five minutes from St Stephen’s Green, nestled between Georgian townhouses, eateries, parks and embassies. Through the office windows, you can gaze at the historic concert hall with Iveagh Gardens beyond. The vibe is decidedly more old-school Dublin than hyper-modern Docklands, think refined elegance over shiny skyscrapers.
Office culture at Dechert Dublin blends the intimacy of a small team with the perks of a big firm. Trainees and junior lawyers benefit from close contact with partners, as small teams mean lots of mentorship, and they are entrusted with significant responsibility early on. Despite the boutique feel, the team enjoys all the resources and benefits of Dechert’s global platform. There is an active effort to be environmentally friendly in day-to-day operations, from paper-light workflows to encouraging use of the cycle-to-work scheme. On the social side, expect a calendar of events that mixes Dublin flavour with international flair. Being a US firm, Dechert also celebrates Thanksgiving in Dublin, giving a fun cultural crossover. Lawyers typically work in the office most days, as the collegial culture encourages it, but flexibility for remote days is available when needed.
While Dublin seats focus on funds and finance, international secondments are non-negotiable at Dechert. All Dublin trainees spend time in London, which is Dechert’s largest European office, in the litigation practice. The firm’s London trainees likewise come to Dublin for a seat, drawn by the funds experience on offer. This exchange keeps the culture collaborative and allows juniors to access different markets. By qualification, a Dechert trainee in Dublin will have a bulging contacts book spanning multiple cities. The office’s integration with the wider firm is such that people shift between offices seamlessly, which is great news for anyone eyeing international opportunities. Trainees also benefit from full financial support through their qualification journey. The firm covers Law Society course fees and a full salary during time at Blackhall. All these incentives come alongside softer perks including 25 or more days of annual leave, private medical insurance, gym membership discounts and plenty of firm-sponsored social events.
The Earlsfort Terrace building is loaded with amenities to keep workers happy. There is a clubhouse-style basement facility with high-quality showers, lockers and changing rooms, perfect for those who bike or jog to work. Cyclists benefit from secure bicycle parking and can freshen up in those facilities before heading to their desks. While the building does not have a full-service cafeteria just for Dechert, a shared basement canteen and lounge area serves tenants who want to refuel without venturing out. Tech-wise, everything is top notch, from speedy Wi-Fi to modern conferencing kit that is essential for cross-border meetings.
Step outside and there are ample food and coffee options in the immediate vicinity. Being in Dublin 2, a decent flat white is never far away. There are trendy cafés on nearby Leeson Street and a handy coffee bar in the adjacent hotel. Lunchtime offers plenty of variety. You can grab a gourmet sandwich or salad on Hatch Street, or stroll five minutes to Baggot Street for everything from sushi to burritos.
For a breath of fresh air, lawyers often meander over to the Iveagh Gardens next door, coffee in hand. This little park, something of a hidden gem, offers quiet paths, angel statues, a grotto and even a mini maze, providing a peaceful midday escape. Getting to and from 5 Earlsfort Terrace is relatively easy by Dublin standards, with no need to endure Docklands commute chaos. The Luas tram on the Green Line has stops roughly a five-to-ten-minute walk away, connecting directly to the southside suburbs and across the city centre. Buses are equally well served, and the train is a quick hop away. Unsurprisingly, a fair few Dechert lawyers walk to work given the central location. If you live anywhere around the city centre, a pleasant stroll through Georgian streets could be your morning routine. Cycling is also encouraged. The building provides bike storage and showers, and Dublin’s city bike-share stations are close by for last-mile convenience.
The surrounding area has a leafy, old-school charm. Iveagh Gardens is a popular spot for summer lunchtimes, with its rose lawns and waterfall providing a tranquil backdrop to a busy workday. A short walk north takes you to Grafton Street and St Stephen’s Green. Come 5pm, the after-work social options abound and you are spoiled for choice. Heritage pubs and classy bars are within easy reach. Many in the office pop down to O’Donoghue’s or Toners on Baggot Street, legendary watering holes known for traditional music and creamy pints, to decompress. For a more modern scene, the rooftop bar at the Dean Hotel on Harcourt Street is a popular spot, as is the beer garden at The Barge by the canal on a sunny evening. Copper Face Jacks is also just around the corner on Harcourt Street. It is a part of town where solicitors and finance professionals mix with civil servants and academics, creating a slightly more refined atmosphere than the tech-centric Docklands. Expect a touch of formality, along with a friendly community feel.
The trainee intake is very selective, with Dechert typically hiring just two trainees per year, though the Law Society of Ireland says the intake can be as many as five. Trainees start their training contracts in April, and the firm’s four-week paid summer internship in July remains the main pipeline for those coveted spots. Six internships are up for grabs for candidates who have completed at least two years of any degree by the summer, as well as postgraduates and those who have successfully obtained a third-level degree qualification in any discipline. Successful applicants can expect very personalised training, close contact with partners and significant responsibility early on in their careers. Those invited to an assessment day will undertake a variety of assessments, including a partner interview.