Eversheds Sutherland strengthens Irish platform with first two partner hires since integration

These appointments signal a major milestone in the firm’s growth strategy for Ireland and its commitment to building market-leading capabilities in key practice areas.

Robert Dever, a highly regarded tax partner, returns to Eversheds Sutherland after several years at Pinsent Masons, where he led the tax practice in Dublin. Robert brings extensive experience advising large domestic and multinational corporations on corporate tax matters, including M&A transactions, corporate restructurings, inward investment projects, private equity, joint ventures and cross-border tax planning. 

Mary Gavin joins from Ogier Ireland LLP as a partner in the Employment team. With nearly two decades of experience, Mary advises national and multinational clients on the full spectrum of employment matters, including investigations, restructuring and employment-related litigation. Mary regularly represents clients before the Workplace Relations Commission, Labour Court, and High Court, with particular experience in injunctive relief and judicial review.

These appointments follow the recent integration of Eversheds Sutherland’s Ireland and Northern Ireland practices into its International business. The move brought together 26 partners and 170 colleagues, reinforcing Ireland’s position as a key jurisdiction for the firm and enabling seamless cross-border legal services across Europe and globally. 

Diane Gilhooley, Global Practice Group Head of Employment, Labor and Pensions, Eversheds Sutherland, said:

“As businesses face increasingly complex employment challenges, I am excited to welcome Mary to the team. Her exceptional litigation and advisory experience will allow us to deliver forward-thinking commercial solutions that anticipate change and create positive impact for our clients across Ireland, Europe and globally.”

Simon Gamlin, Commercial Advisory Practice Group Head and Global Co-Head of Commercial Advisory, Eversheds Sutherland said: 

“Robert’s decision to return to Eversheds Sutherland is a powerful endorsement of the strength of our integrated platform and the depth of our commercial advisory offering. Robert is a highly trusted adviser with an exceptional track record in navigating complex tax issues for leading domestic and multinational clients. His experience and knowledge will significantly enhance our ability to deliver strategic, cross-border solutions in Ireland and beyond and we are thrilled to welcome him back to the firm.”

Alexander Niethammer, European Managing Partner, Eversheds Sutherland, said: 

“Ireland continues to be a strategically vital jurisdiction for our clients, particularly those with cross-border operations and European headquarters. With the strength of our integrated platform, we are focused on building out our capabilities with exceptional talent. Both Mary and Robert’s arrival is a strong step forward in that journey, enhancing our ability to deliver seamless, high-quality advice across Europe.”

Pamela O’Neill, Dublin Managing Partner, Eversheds Sutherland, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Mary and Robert as our first two senior hires as we continue to grow our newly integrated Ireland practice. Their appointments underscore our strategic focus on Ireland as a key jurisdiction for the firm and our ambition to build market-leading capabilities across core practice areas. Their reputation for advising clients on their complex matters, across their respective focus areas, will be a tremendous asset to our clients and our team.”

Mary Gavin, Partner, Eversheds Sutherland, said:

“I’m thrilled to join Eversheds Sutherland at such a pivotal time for the firm in Ireland. The integration has created a dynamic platform for growth, and I look forward to working with colleagues across Dublin, Belfast and internationally to help clients navigate the challenges of the employment landscape in Ireland.”

Robert Dever, Partner, Eversheds Sutherland, said:

“I’m really pleased to be back at Eversheds Sutherland and to be part of the next stage of the firm’s growth in Ireland. Ireland is such an important hub for multinational investment, and tax is right at the heart of those strategic decisions. I’m looking forward to working closely with colleagues here and across Europe to help clients tackle complex tax challenges and achieve their goals in an increasingly global market.”

Beyond the Ireland integration, 2025 has been a record-breaking year for Eversheds Sutherland (International), with 28 lateral partners joining the firm since 1 January.