Three of Ireland's top construction lawyers have joined forces to establish Caldwell Ritchie Berry, a specialist law firm focused on construction and procurement law across the UK and Ireland.

The firm, which operates from Belfast with an office in Dublin, aims to provide expert legal services to clients locally, nationally, and internationally.

Jamie Ritchie and Stefan Berry have partnered with Kenny Caldwell, who founded Caldwell Solicitors in 2017, to create a practice with market-leading expertise in advising clients on construction projects from conception through delivery and aftercare. In recent years, the partners have represented clients across Ireland, the USA, Europe, Scandinavia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Kenny Caldwell, Director, said Caldwell Ritchie Berry would remain a specialist law firm with the capability to operate across multiple jurisdictions.

"Since our establishment, we have built what in many respects is an understated firm becoming one of Ireland's go-to names in construction law, balancing local expertise with multi-jurisdictional reach. We have gone about our business quietly, humbly, and respectful of the discretion expected of us by our clients. I see the coming together of Caldwell Ritchie Berry as the natural next stage of our progress; a recognition of the talent that’s been alongside me, and a welcoming of new talent into the firm.

-- Advertisement --

"The firm's core market advantage is its intricate and prime focus on the whole life cycle of construction projects, combined with the strength of having three dedicated partners finding fresh, practical and smarter ways to help clients deliver their wider goals. Our structure allows us to compete and engage with larger firms on major projects while offering clients greater accessibility, director-led advice and more competitive pricing.

"The in-depth experience of our three directors within this specialist practice area makes us pound for pound one of the top contract and procurement law specialists on the island."

Jamie Ritchie, formerly Partner and Head of Projects and Construction at LK Shields and later a Partner with Byrne Wallace Shields in Dublin, highlighted the increasing challenges faced by domestic contractors.

"Over the last five years in particular, the number of adjudications has grown in the Republic, with tighter margins cited as one major factor. Domestic construction companies are facing contractual challenges due to supply chain issues, skilled labour shortages, market adjustments, and uncertainty around full project funding. Consequently, we are increasingly seeing local contractors and consultants working internationally. Irish contractors often prefer local lawyers to represent their interests abroad, and this is an aspect of our offering where we can really excel for our clients. Essentially, wherever our clients go, we have the capability to follow."

Stefan Berry, who joined Kenny Caldwell in 2019, said the expanded firm plans to grow in both the Republic of Ireland and the UK, leveraging the directors’ existing networks. He added that the firm also intends to increase headcount with individuals who share the culture, values, and philosophy of Caldwell Ritchie Berry.