About the Firm
We are one of Ireland's leading law firms. In 2025, we were awarded the gradIreland "Most Popular Graduate Employer in Law" award. We were also recently recognised by the Financial Times Innovative Lawyers Programme in their Top Ten Most Innovative Law Firms in Europe over the past 20 years.
The open minds, ambitious spirits, and nurtured talent of our people make Arthur Cox LLP the law firm we are today. A firm that continues to be recognised at national and international levels for both our legal services and our workplace.
For over 100 years, we have led the way in the legal field in Ireland. Our people have led the way and set our standards to the high level we’re now known for. When you join Arthur Cox, you will work with lawyers who are the Irish leaders in commercial law. You will work on the largest, most complex, and innovative transactions in Ireland and become part of a team of highly respected experts.
These experts are committed to giving you exposure to unique situations and opportunities essential for your own professional growth. Development of your professional knowledge and experience is a key feature of training with Arthur Cox.
It suits those who have a continuous thirst to develop legal expertise, who have ambitious career prospects, and who prefer an entrepreneurial atmosphere. You’ll find all this in a friendly and inclusive workplace that has retained the collegiality that has been a feature of our 100-plus-year history.
Most Popular Graduate Employer in Law 2025
Pictured left to right are David Vos, Deirdre Sheehan and Keith Smith.
The Trainee Steering Group
The Trainee Steering Group is a group of three partners who are responsible for everything trainee-related, from attraction and recruitment to training and qualification. The Trainee Steering Group works closely with the Trainee Group to ensure the firm is hiring the brightest and best minds and providing them with exceptional training and development during the course of their traineeship.
A chat with Ailish Finnerty
PARTNER AND CHAIR OF THE FIRM
Reflecting on your career, what are the most significant changes you've seen in the legal profession, and how is Arthur Cox adapting to evolving work patterns?
Since I started out, the legal landscape has completely changed. The profession in Ireland has been transformed in terms of its size, the complexity of the advice and transactions we handle, and the increasingly global nature of our work. It’s been both challenging and exhilarating. The pace of change, especially in recent years, has made the job exciting and full of opportunities to learn and adapt, something that will only accelerate with the rise of generative AI. While no one can definitively predict its long-term impact, embracing each new development with a mindset of continuous learning is key to how we operate at Arthur Cox.
In parallel, Arthur Cox has embraced evolving work patterns with a forward-thinking approach. Even before the pandemic, we had a Hybrid Working Policy, which has since expanded into a broader programme offering greater flexibility - such as reduced hours tailored to different life stages and family commitments. Flexibility at Arthur Cox isn’t just about where we work; it’s about how we work. We focus on balancing autonomy with collaboration, ensuring our people have the space to manage their time while still creating opportunities for learning and connection. Trainees, for example, are encouraged to spend more time in the office to benefit from in-person mentoring, but flexibility remains a priority.
Looking ahead, I believe we’ll continue to see more creative and tech-enabled ways of working and collaborating, both within the firm and with our clients, as the legal profession evolves.
"We focus on balancing autonomy with collaboration, ensuring our people have the space to manage their time while still creating opportunities for learning and connection."
What sets the Arthur Cox Trainee Programme apart from other firms?
Our Trainee Programme offers a uniquely broad and enriching experience. We are the only law firm offering five rotations, so trainees gain exposure to a wide range of practice areas and client types, from major multinationals and financial institutions to SMEs and local Irish companies. This diversity ensures both international and domestic experience, and includes work in fast-evolving sectors like technology, energy, and life sciences.
Throughout the programme, trainees work alongside top-tier lawyers on high-profile matters, supported by a first-class Learning and Development programme that fosters continuous growth. Beyond legal work, trainees also contribute meaningfully to our Sustainable Business agenda through pro bono initiatives and volunteering with charity partners. Many also take part in fundraising efforts for communities in Zambia, honouring the legacy of our founder, Arthur Cox, who spent his final years there as a missionary. It’s a well-rounded experience that combines professional excellence with purpose and impact.
"Throughout the programme, trainees work alongside top-tier lawyers on high-profile matters, supported by a first-class Learning and Development programme that fosters continuous growth."
What do you love about working at Arthur Cox?
It is cheesy to say but it’s the people and the culture. There’s a real sense of community here, and while we’re definitely a high-performing environment, it’s also a very supportive environment. If you need a dig out, people will help you.
The firm is progressive too - open to new ideas and genuinely committed to making a positive impact, whether that’s through our client work, sustainability efforts, or how we support each other. Being a good mentor and supporting others is really important to me and a lot of people here in the firm.
I am also immensely proud that we have such dedicated and hard-working EDI committees that are always striving to make the firm an even more inclusive and welcoming place to work. This is something our trainees play a formative role in, by pitching ideas to our Management Committee and developing EDI initiatives that make a real difference.
How does Arthur Cox support continuous learning and professional development for its staff?
Learning is a huge part of the culture here. I am still learning every day here after quite a few years as a partner! From your first day, there’s a strong focus on training—whether it’s legal skills, leadership, or utilising AI and other tech aids. As you grow in your role, there are always opportunities to keep developing new skills and new expertise. And because we work across so many different legal areas, for different clients you’re constantly learning from the people around you too.
That is something I really enjoy about Arthur Cox, you have the opportunity to learn from colleagues who are the best in their respective fields and who are passionate about doing cutting-edge and innovative work.
How does the firm plan to stay ahead of industry trends and continue to deliver exceptional service?
We’re always looking ahead, whether it’s investing in legal tech, offering different client services, adapting how we work, or staying close to what our clients need, we’re not afraid to evolve. We don’t assume we know all the answers, and we are most successful when we ask our people and ask our clients what we are doing well and what we could do better. It’s really important to us that we continue to hear new perspectives in order to stay ahead and deliver exceptional service.
Recruiting the best people, serving our clients and upholding our values has kept Arthur Cox at the forefront for over 100 years!
