Lewis Silkin expands IP practice with Belfast merger
Lewis Silkin has merged with Belfast law firm Forde Campbell as part of its plan to grow its commercial technology IP arm in Northern Ireland.
The acquisition will bring Lewis Silkin’s headcount in the city to 25 people across two offices.
As part of the merger, Forde Campbell directors Mathew Forde, Rory Campbell and Katey Dixon will join Lewis Silkin partners Ciara Fulton and Adam Brett in their Belfast office.
Giles Crown, the joint managing partner of Lewis Silkin, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Forde Campbell to Lewis Silkin. Forde Campbell has established a well-earned reputation in the market as pre-eminent advisers to high-growth-potential enterprises in Northern Ireland, sharing the passion we have at Lewis Silkin for creative, innovative and brand-focused businesses.
“We warmly welcome Mathew, Rory, Katey and the team and look forward to a successful future together and with our clients,” he added.
Forde Campbell was founded in 2006 and advises tech start-ups and large UK and Irish companies on trademarks, trade secrets, reputation management and IT contracts.
Mathew Forde, director at Forde Campbell, said: “Northern Ireland is on the rise as a real centre of innovation, with a thriving start-up community and significant investor interest, and as the business landscape continues to evolve legal needs are becoming more complex, and often international in nature.
“Joining forces with Lewis Silkin is an exciting next step for us as we continue to help our clients thrive in this dynamic environment.”
This announcement follows the launch of Lewis Silkin’s employment and immigration office in Northern Ireland, which saw the London-based firm merge with local firm Jones Cassidy Brett in August 2021.
Crown added: “This is an exciting time for Lewis Silkin in Ireland, as the addition of the Forde Campbell team follows our launch in Northern Ireland last year with our specialist employment practice, and establishes a market-leading IP, commercial and technology practice, building on our centres of expertise in Dublin, the UK and beyond.
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