European law firm Fieldfisher has officially inaugurated its new Belfast base at Adelaide Exchange, in a ceremony led by First Minister Michelle O'Neill MLA, underscoring sustained investment and accelerating growth in Northern Ireland.

The opening marks a significant milestone in Fieldfisher's European expansion, strengthening its long-term commitment to the city and the wider region. Since relocating to the premises in May, the firm has taken on almost 50 new joiners and more than 100 since January, lifting its Northern Ireland headcount from a team of five in 2018 to over 300 today.

Recruitment remains active. Fieldfisher has already exceeded the initial 90 roles earmarked for the first phase of growth and continues to invest in new talent to support a broader range of services and capabilities.

More than 100 guests from across Northern Ireland's business, political and academic communities attended the opening, which was formally conducted by First Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA. Senior leaders from across the firm's UK and wider European network also travelled to Belfast to mark the occasion.

The event highlighted the rapid expansion of the Belfast office and its growing significance within the firm's international operations. Attendees included representatives from local universities, Invest Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Office and a range of public and private sector organisations.

As part of the schedule, Fieldfisher hosted a business roundtable examining Belfast’s rising profile as a destination for international investment and professional services. Participants included John Healy (Chair of Invest NI), Clare Guinness (CEO of Belfast Chamber) and Chris McCracken (Managing Director of Linen Quarter BID), who discussed the city’s strengths in talent, innovation and international connectivity, alongside opportunities for continued economic development.

Fieldfisher's Belfast operation has evolved into a centre of operational excellence underpinning the firm's UK and European work. Bringing together specialist functions in a Business Services Centre, the team plays an increasingly central role in delivering high-quality support to clients and colleagues across the international network. The expansion aligns with Fieldfisher's European platform, which comprises more than 2,200 people across 28 offices in 14 countries, and is recognised as one of Europe’s leading full-service law firms with particular expertise in technology, financial services, energy and life sciences.

Speaking at the event, First Minister Michelle O'Neill MLA said: "It was a pleasure to officially open Fieldfisher’s new Belfast office and to mark this important stage in the company’s growth. Since 2018, Fieldfisher has expanded significantly, creating hundreds of high-quality jobs with its Belfast office now playing an important role within its international operations.

"This is exactly the kind of investment we are working to attract – businesses choosing to grow here because they recognise the strength of our people and our economy. It’s also a clear vote of confidence in Belfast as a place to do business, innovate and succeed, and I wish the entire Fieldfisher team continued success for the future."

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: "This investment sends a powerful message that Belfast and Northern Ireland are places where businesses can grow and expand with confidence. The expansion of this business, the Fieldfisher's ambitious growth plans and highlights the strength of our local talent and highly skilled workforce.

"Northern Ireland is increasingly recognised for its highly skilled business and professional services and investments like this create high quality jobs, strengthen our economy and provide new opportunities for people to build rewarding careers here. I welcome this announcement which is a strong endorsement of our people, our potential and our future."

Stuart Marks, Director of the Belfast Business Services Centre at Fieldfisher, said: "This marks a significant milestone for everyone at Fieldfisher. Our Belfast office has grown from a small team into a vital part of our international business, and this investment reflects our long-term confidence in the city and its talent. We’re continuing to invest in that growth – not just in headcount, but in building skills, expanding capabilities and fostering the innovative, growth mindset that will see Belfast play an even bigger role in the firm's future."