Linklaters has seen the biggest increase in lawyers admitted to the Irish roll in 2019 in what was a record year for Brexit-tied admissions, as U.K. firms step up efforts to counteract possible disruption to their global standing. 

The data, produced by The Law Society of Ireland, shows that, as of December 2019, a total of 1,893 solicitors have gained admission to the Irish roll. At the end of 2018, the figure stood at well below half that at 737. 

Linklaters made the greatest jump with 259 solicitors joining the roll since 2016, bringing it to second place on this year's table.

Eversheds Sutherland has dropped to third place with 165 practitioners in total, after placing first last year with 132. 

Director general of the Law Society of Ireland Ken Murphy said: "What will happen in 2020? Perhaps this trend will settle down, or even cease. As with everything to do with Brexit, predictions are impossible to make with any certainty."

However, while this is a record year for firms bolstering the number of their solicitors on the Irish roll, very few are committing to the extra step of taking out practising certificates. For example, the data shows that although Linklaters' figure stands at 259 for 2019, only 17 have Irish practising certificates, according to the data.

Managing partner at Eversheds Sutherland Ireland, Alan Murphy, said: "There is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding this. However, from our perspective, as Ireland's only full-service, global law firm, this is a positive move for all our multinational clients.

"It shows the strength of our firm and means Eversheds Sutherland's practice groups can continue the multi-jurisdictional advisory work they are doing with full access to Europe. Additionally, it will enhance the expertise of our local teams and our overall offering for our multinational clients in Ireland."

2019 saw firms continuing to build presences in Dublin, with Dechert moving to larger offices and DLA Piper also growing its offering with a larger office and paralegal scheme.