Mr Ritchie and Mr Berry are joining ranks with Mr Caldwell, who founded Belfast-based Caldwell Solicitors in 2017.

The new firm will operate from Belfast with an office in Dublin, servicing clients locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

The three directors have significant experience advising clients in Ireland, the USA, Europe, Scandinavia, Africa and the Middle East on matters ranging from project conception to implementation, delivery, and aftercare.

Caldwell Solicitors has a diverse client portfolio including developers and investment vehicles, locally and globally active Irish and UK companies, NASDAQ-listed companies, and organisations within the public sector across GB, NI and Irish 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,” Mr Caldwell said.

“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.”

He added: “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.”

Mr Ritchie, based in Dublin, previously served as partner and head of projects and construction at LK Shields, and later as a partner with Byrne Wallace Shields.

He noted the rising number of adjudications south of the border, with tighter margins cited as one major factor. This will be a key area of focus for the new firm.

Domestic construction companies are facing many contractual challenges with supply chain issues, skilled labour shortages, ongoing market adjustments and uncertainty around availability of full funding for projects.

“Consequently, we are increasingly seeing local contractors and consultants working internationally,” Mr Ritchie said.

“Irish contractors often prefer local lawyers to represent their interests when working 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.”

Director Stefan Berry, who joined Kenny Caldwell in 2019, said the expanded firm will actively target growth in both the Ireland and the UK, primarily driven by the directors’ existing networks.

He added the company was also planning to grow its headcount, engaging those who aligned with the culture, values and philosophy of Caldwell Ritchie Berry.