The law firm was plunged into crisis in May following the collapse of months-long merger talks with William Fry and the subsequent announcement by Eversheds Sutherland’s international leadership that it would launch a new all-Ireland operation, which opened in September.

Future trainees expecting to start in 2026 or 2027 were informed at the start of November that the former Eversheds Sutherland LLP “no longer provides legal services and is unable to take on trainees”.

The news reached the affected students and graduates after the ‘milk round’ period, with most major Irish law firms having already closed applications for training contracts beginning in 2026.

“To be informed only now that the firm cannot honour its commitment has effectively ended my chance to begin my legal career in 2026,” law graduate Jenny O’Keeffe, who completed a summer internship with Eversheds Sutherland LLP in 2024, told Irish Legal News.

The Law Society of Ireland has confirmed it is in touch with a number of those affected and is in the process of contacting firms to help find new training contracts for them.

Some firms have already stepped up, including William Fry, which told a number of those affected that it would — in a rare exception — allow them to submit late applications for its 2026 traineeship programme. A number of applicants have since been invited to interview.

Existing trainees at Eversheds Sutherland LLP have secured positions in Eversheds Sutherland (International).

A spokesperson for Eversheds Sutherland (International) told Irish Legal News: “We are not able to comment on actions taken by Eversheds Sutherland LLP, the former Irish firm which has ceased to practice, and we do empathise with the current situation of this group.

“Eversheds Sutherland (International) is committed to developing future talent including trainees. In support of this, we were pleased to retain all existing trainees in the Dublin office following its integration into our wider business in September 2025.

“We will also launch our own trainee recruitment process in mid-2026 and of course all eligible candidates are welcome to apply.”

A spokesperson for the Law Society of Ireland said: “The Law Society is aware that a number of students have had training contract offers withdrawn due to a firm’s cessation.

“Several of these students have been in touch with the Law Society and we are trying to assist them.

“The Law Society is in contact with other training firms to enquire about vacancies in their 2026 intake and to facilitate introductions with the affected students.”