A&L Goodbody

A&L Goodbody is widely regarded as Ireland’s leading law firm. Established over 100 years ago, the Firm has 70 partners, employs over 350 legal staff, and has offices in Dublin, Belfast, London, and New York. It offers a unique breadth and depth of knowledge and experience across every facet of corporate law for the island of Ireland, with an extensive and diverse domestic and international client base in public and private sectors.

The Firm provides a full range of market-leading business legal services, including: commercial law; mergers and acquisitions; corporate finance; joint ventures; banking and financial services; IP and technology, energy and natural resources, environment and planning, employment, pensions and benefits; insurance; corporate tax; EU and competition law; property; risk management & dispute resolution. The emphasis and operation of these practice groups continually evolve and develop in anticipation of external market needs.

A&L Goodbody places great emphasis on its high professional standards and on the competence, practicality and acumen of its lawyers. The Firm is continually ranked as the No.1 Irish Law firm by many international publications and directories including most recently:

• Irish Law Firm of the Year 2010 and 2011 – Who’s Who Legal;
• Irish Tax Firm of the Year 2011- International Tax Review;
• Ranked in the top 20 law firms globally by IFLR1000 2011 - the Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Law Firms. The Firm is the only Irish Law Firm ranked in Tier 1 in all practice areas;
• No. 1 Irish M&A Law Firm 2010 – for the 4th consecutive year – Bloomberg and Thomson Reuters;
• Advised on 8 out of the 10 winning finance deals in Ireland 2011; more than any other Irish law firm - Finance Dublin Magazine.

Our Clients

A sample of experience includes advising on the following:

• Anglo Irish Bank in successfully defending claims valued at approx $24m brought by investors in a New York hotel fund
• Elan on the proposed merger of Elan Drug Technologies with Alkermes Inc.
• Permira on the acquisition of Creganna Tactx Medical.
• CarTrawler on a capital injection by ECI.
• AIB on its acquisition of the €9bn deposit book in Ireland and the UK of Anglo Irish Bank and its Isle of Man subsidiary
• Bank of Ireland in the sale of BoISS to Northern Trust Corporation.
• Morgan Stanley and Barclays on the $1.2bn public takeover of Skillsoft.
• AIB on a breach of contract dispute with Oracle regarding the supply of software.
• Abbott Laboratories in their successful defence of a patent infringement claim.
• Irish Life & Permanent on its acquisition of the deposit book of Irish Nationwide.
• Aviva on the establishment of Aviva Europe SE and its European holding company structure.
• Quinn Group on all aspects of its restructuring.
• Campari on its acquisition of Carolans, Frangelico and Irish Mist from William Grant & Sons.

Graduate Opportunities

Excellence, commercial savvy and a practical approach are hallmarks of our service. As a participant on our Trainee Programme you can expect to develop all these attributes, together with all the skills you need to get your career off to the right start. We are confident that our programme offers the best of everything to the right candidates.

The Firm boasts a superb working environment, which reflects an atmosphere of achievement and excellence. First class information technology, knowledge systems and a knowledge centre allows you to thrive as a Trainee within the Firm. Our modern offices also include a fully fitted gym and an excellent restaurant. Life doesn't stop just because you are working. Good work is interesting and enjoyable.

As a Trainee, you will spend time in all of our main departments, Corporate, Banking & Financial Services, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Commercial Property, Taxation, Employment, Pensions & Benefits. In each department you will work as part of a team, with all the support, facilities and guidance you need to learn about that area of law. Our Trainee Programme is designed to encourage and develop every person’s unique qualities to the maximum.

What We are Looking For?

All applicants must be either final year degree students, post graduates or have successfully obtained a third level degree qualification.

Although a primary degree is a pre-requisite, we don’t just look for people who are academically high achievers or limit applicants to those who have studied law. We accept degrees from all disciplines. It is also important to us that you can work as part of a team, are motivated, have initiative and have clear expectations of your future. We look for candidates who are commercially aware, assertive and effective communicators, and have the personality and disposition to become a top class lawyer.

The Package

• Top of the range salary
• PPC1 & PPC2 Law Society fees paid in full
• Full salary paid while at Blackhall Place
• Exam bonuses
• Eligible to participate in annual performance related bonus following qualification
• Discretionary Christmas bonus
• Contribution to personal retirement savings account
• 20 days annual leave
• Extra holidays after completing each Law Society course
• Medical insurance assistance

Annual Trainee Recruitment Process

• Online application process open from 12 September to 28 October 2011
• Interviews in January 2012

Summer Internship Programme

• Online application process open from 4 January to 2 March 2012
• Interviews in April 2012
• 4 week placements in June & July of each year
• Guaranteed post internship interview for Trainee positions