Barry Walsh | Fieldfisher
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Professional background

Professional background

I have advised on a wide range of Irish and multinational corporate, public and institutional clients on all aspects of Irish employment law from recruitment to retirement including contentious, advisory and transactional work. My clients are spread across a number of industries including technology, media, utilities and professional services. I also advise on industrial relations issues arising from mergers, acquisitions, outsourcing and redundancy situations. 

In advising clients, I always seek to communicate the salient issues succinctly and accurately, always offering outcome-focused solutions.

I advise a wide range of Irish and multinational corporate, public, commercial semi-state and institutional clients, partnerships and senior executives on all aspects of Irish employment law from recruitment to retirement including contentious, advisory and transactional work.

I have lectured and presented widely on employment law issues with bodies such as the Law Society of Ireland, International Bar Association, Employment Law Alliance, Legal Island and CIPD, and have published various articles on HR law issues in mainstream media and specialist publications.

Awards & recognition

Awards & recognition

Chambers Europe 2026

Barry Walsh has deep expertise in employment law matters, commercial awareness and a genuine understanding and appreciation of his clients' businesses.

Chambers Europe 2026

Barry Walsh has experience in equality law issues and the management of retirement-related disputes. He also advises clients on a range of HR matters, including those related to data protection and discrimination issues.

Legal 500 2025

Barry Walsh has provided exceptional support over a number of years, frequently at very short notice.

Chambers Europe 2024

His advice is always on point and he has the ability to take complex issues and render them understandable to non-legal personnel.

Chambers Europe 2023
Barry Walsh has a commercial mindset. He is quick in responding, friendly and cuts through complexity in an excellent way."

Authored pieces

All Resources
A large magnifying glass focuses on paper cut-outs of human figures, each decorated with various letters and text passages. The background shows more paper figures out of focus, positioned on an open book, creating a scene with text and paper characters.
Employment
Insight

Fieldfisher Ireland – Employment Law Digest - August 2026

31.08.2026
Keeping up with Irish employment law developments can be challenging in a fast-moving workplace environment. In this  update, Fieldfisher Ireland summarises key developments, highlights issues for employers and shares practical insights to help you navigate change with confidence.
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An elderly couple sits on a bench in a forest during autumn. The trees around them are tall with leaves in vibrant shades of orange and red. The ground is covered with fallen leaves, creating a picturesque, peaceful setting. They both wear jackets, facing away from the camera.
Employment
Insight

Employment Law Tip of the Week: Mandatory Retirement – update your procedures - it's still with us but gets a bit more complicated

23.06.2026
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Employment
Insight

Tip of the Week – Starting 2026: Remuneration considerations for Employers – minimum wage and pensions auto enrolment.

14.01.2026
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A group of people poses for a photo in an office decorated with Japanese and Irish flags; two small flags are placed on a white table in the foreground.
Corporate and Commercial
Insight

Fieldfisher Advises Simply Blue Group on Strategic Investment by Kansai Electric Power Company

06.11.2025
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Employment
Insight

Tip of the Week: Settlement agreements – employers, avoid this critical mistake!

15.10.2025
In the Workplace Relations Commission ("WRC ") case of ADJ-00056614 , the issue of informed consent in the context of a settlement agreement arose. In this case, the complainant had signed a compromise agreement but one month later brought a constructive dismissal claim. She argued that she had not been given the opportunity to obtain professional legal advice before signing. The Adjudication Officer firstly addressed the preliminary issue of whether the compromise agreement barred the complaint.
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What others say…

Chambers Europe 2026

Barry Walsh has deep expertise in employment law matters, commercial awareness and a genuine understanding and appreciation of his clients' businesses.

Chambers Europe 2026

Barry Walsh has experience in equality law issues and the management of retirement-related disputes. He also advises clients on a range of HR matters, including those related to data protection and discrimination issues.

Legal 500 2025

Barry Walsh has provided exceptional support over a number of years, frequently at very short notice.