The landmark report, jointly commissioned by the Law Society of Ireland and the Bar of Ireland, was launched today by justice, home affairs and migration minister Jim O’Callaghan as part of Ireland for Law’s Dublin International Disputes Week (DIDW).

In terms of gross value added (GVA), law firms, barristers and in-house counsel directly contribute €4.2 billion to the Irish economy, with a further €2.5 billion in indirect and induced impact, according to the report.

Some €1.4 billion worth of legal services are exported internationally.

The top four sectors that engage with legal professionals are financial services; technology, media & entertainment, and telecommunications; head office and management consultancy; and manufacturing.

These fours sectors account for 50 per cent of the domestic spending on legal and accounting services, as well as being responsible for a substantial portion of Irish economic activity.

According to the report, the Irish legal profession supports over 52,000 jobs. This includes 25,000 jobs which are directly supported — e.g. solicitors, barristers and support staff — and 27,000 jobs which are supported indirectly.

Launching the report, Mr O’Callaghan said: “The findings of this report confirm that Ireland’s legal system is not only a cornerstone of our democracy but also a vital driver of our economic success.

“A trusted, independent legal sector underpins investment and innovation across every major industry in the country — from financial services and aviation to life sciences and technology — and it strengthens Ireland’s position as a leading global centre for dispute resolution.

“At the same time, the report reminds us that access to justice must be available in every part of our country. My department will continue working with the legal professions to support access to legal services in regional and rural areas, ensuring that the benefits of a strong, modern justice system are felt by all.”

Eamon Harrington, president of the Law Society, said: “Legal professionals provide essential services to businesses across all sectors, from SMEs to multinationals.

“The legal sector underpins investment and innovation across every major sector of the economy, from financial services and aviation to life sciences and technology. Ireland’s economy depends on knowledge-intensive and export-oriented sectors.

“Legal professionals support major global banks, fintech, and insurance companies through advising on banking compliance, governance, and various forms of financial transactions.

“Legal professionals advise tech firms on compliance with EU tech regulations and data privacy protections.

“Ireland is the global leader in aircraft leasing, relying on legal professionals for aviation law, tax and compliance for complex global transactions.

“The Irish life sciences sector is one of the largest in the world. Legal input in intellectual property, regulatory and collaboration agreements facilitate this.

“Legal professionals also help agri-food firms navigate EU food safety rules, export regulations, grant requirements and environmental law.

“This report makes it very clear that the legal profession underpins growth across high-value sectors of the Irish economy.”

Seán Guerin SC, chair of the Bar Council, said: “Ireland has the second highest FDI intensity in the OECD, with over 1,800 multinational companies located here.

“Ireland’s common law system, legal certainty, IP protections and contract enforceability give global investors the confidence to make long-term commitments and are crucial to their continued presence here.

“Continued and intensified investment in legal education, digitalisation and regional access is essential to sustain the sector’s impact into the future.

“This timely analysis highlights the significant contribution of Ireland’s legal sector — not only to our economic welfare and national competitiveness, but also as a fundamental support to a wide range of key industries.”