Managing partner of Dentons Ireland, Eavan Saunders, explores the future of corporate law, the importance of global perspective, and the skills aspiring lawyers need to thrive
In the vibrant heart of Dublin, Dentons — the world’s largest law firm by lawyer headcount — has been carving out a unique identity under the stewardship of Eavan Saunders, the managing partner of its Irish office. Saunders has brought global expertise and a refreshing leadership style to her role. As she works across local and international law, her goal is clear: to build a firm that combines global expertise with the distinct character of Ireland’s legal system.
Talking with Saunders feels more like a relaxed conversation than a formal interview. Her warmth and humour contrast with the weight of her decades-long career. From starting in Ireland to working at an international law firm in London and eventually returning home, Saunders’ career reflects a strong mix of determination and personal integrity.
Tracing her career trajectory, Saunders speaks with energy about her early days in the industry. After qualifying as a lawyer in Ireland, she ventured to London at the turn of the millennium, during the height of the dot-com boom. “It was really quite easy to get a job,” she recalls. “I did a little bit of homework and, uncharacteristically for me, quite a bit of research! The same name kept popping up as a place people liked to work. So, despite offers from Magic Circle firms, I chose this firm. I felt like I chose really well.”
Her time in London was pivotal. “I landed into a really vibrant corporate department,” she says. “It was exceptionally busy, the biggest private equity practice in Europe at the time, though I didn’t pay much attention to that initially.” Within six years, Saunders became the first equity partner from her international cohort. Reflecting on this milestone, she says “I’ve always been a good, solid performer.”
Returning to Dublin in 2014, Saunders joined an Irish outfit, where she continued to develop her career. Yet, after six years, she found herself yearning for the international work she had grown accustomed to in London. “I missed having an international perspective. When you’re used to a market where your clients are global, and your market is essentially the world, coming back to Ireland to focus solely on Irish work was a bit of a change.” This desire for a broader horizon led her to Dentons:
“Dentons offered the best of both worlds — the Irish lifestyle with international work and an international work ethic. That’s where I thrive,” she says.
Since joining Dentons, Saunders has been instrumental in shaping the firm’s Irish presence. Her vision for the Dublin office is ambitious yet grounded: to offer clients a team that combines the rigor of international law with an understanding of local dynamics. “Where I saw a gap in the Irish market was for a law firm that worked to the standards of the City or Wall Street, but based in Ireland. It’s not relentless, but it’s high-calibre, which was something I wanted to build at Dentons.”
Discussing the broader legal landscape, Saunders highlights the challenges and opportunities in corporate law, particularly in mergers & acquisitions (M&A). “Confidence has been a key issue,” she notes. “There’s been nervousness in the market, with high interest rates making funding expensive. But we’re seeing a sense of optimism for 2025.”
Saunders explains that much of the hesitation in M&A over recent years stems from market volatility and questions around valuation. “People have been asking, ‘Is it the right time to sell? Is it the right time to buy?’ The cost of borrowing has been a significant factor,” she explains, pointing out that rising interest rates have made debt financing less attractive for buyers and investors alike.
She also identifies sectoral variations in resilience. “Some sectors, like healthcare and pharma, have remained robust — often counter-cyclical and less sensitive to economic shifts. However, areas like renewables and green energy have faced challenges. These industries typically involve high capital expenditure in their early years, making them particularly vulnerable to the cost of capital,” she says.
For aspiring lawyers looking to distinguish themselves, Saunders suggests developing a deeper understanding of these economic drivers. “Most transactions have some element of debt financing, even for corporates with large balance sheets. Graduates should be curious about how leverage works, what drives market confidence, and the role of macroeconomic factors like inflation or political stability.”
Despite the current headwinds, Saunders is optimistic about the future. “There’s been a ‘wait and see’ mentality for much of 2024, but as election cycles in key jurisdictions settle and market uncertainty diminishes, we’re seeing positive signs for 2025. It’s an exciting time to be in the field, with plenty of opportunities for those who understand the dynamics at play.”
This optimism is reflected in Dentons Ireland’s approach, which combines high standards with practicality, making the firm a strong choice for clients. “We find clients coming to us for acquisitions in the Netherlands, France, or the US. It’s not just about the 26 counties of the Republic of Ireland,” she explains. This global outlook extends to the firm’s commitment to its graduates, who benefit from a dual qualification in Ireland and England and Wales. “It’s a great differentiator,” Saunders notes. “With so many transactions governed by English law, it gives our team an edge and opens up opportunities for secondments in our overseas offices.”
Beyond her strategic vision, Saunders is deeply invested in the culture of her office. Her approach to leadership is refreshingly inclusive, valuing contributions from every member of the team. “One of the great strengths of Dentons is its lack of hierarchy,” she shares. “Contributions are valued equally, whether they come from lawyers or support staff.”
Saunders exemplifies Dentons’ inclusive and people-focused culture through her approach to the firm’s discretionary bonus pool. “I can allocate bonuses to anyone, not just lawyers. One of my favourite people in the office is our facilities manager. She is incredibly motivated and makes everything better for everyone. Her contribution is as important as anyone else’s, and we recognise that.” This ethos of valuing contributions across all roles is a hallmark of her leadership style.
For aspiring lawyers, Saunders emphasises authenticity and curiosity over perfection. “We’re not looking for people who know everything,” she explains. “It’s okay to admit you don’t know something and to ask questions. That shows confidence, not weakness.” She also urges aspiring lawyers to remain open to different practice areas. “Don’t pigeonhole yourself too early. The academic study of law is very different from its practical application. Sometimes what you enjoy is more about the team you work with than the subject matter itself.”
This balance between professional fulfilment and creating a positive workplace culture is something Saunders embodies in her leadership. At Dentons, she has cultivated an environment where hard work and happiness coexist. “It’s a happy office,” Saunders says simply. “That’s what makes it worthwhile.”
As Dentons continues to expand in Ireland, it’s evident that under Saunders’ leadership, the firm is not just shaping the future of law — it’s redefining what it means to lead.
Hear from Dentons at ‘Dentons Dublin Insight Event — Inside a global law firm’ an IN-PERSON event taking place in Dublin on Thursday 23 January 2025. Apply now to attend.
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