The New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) and the Bar of Ireland have signed a new partnership agreement in Manhattan, a memorandum that matters to institute professionals as it formalises a channel through which Irish barristers can position Ireland as an English speaking, EU based venue for American businesses and international arbitration. The agreement was signed at the American Irish Historical Society by NYSBA president Taa Grays and Bar of Ireland chair Seán Guerin, capping a three day trade mission that included panel discussions on Ireland's suitability as a forum for international arbitration.

NYSBA is the largest voluntary state bar association in the United States, and the agreement is one of nearly 40 such partnerships it has formed with bar associations internationally. As a professional association, it does not publish commercial financials.

The Bar of Ireland is the professional body for barristers in Ireland.

The agreement reflects Ireland's deliberate positioning as a legal gateway to the EU rather than a ceremonial signing.

Ireland offers EU membership combined with a common law system and English as the language of its courts, increasingly cited as an alternative to London for international arbitration since Brexit disrupted assumptions about straightforward EU enforcement of UK seated awards, according to Hayes Solicitors.

NYSBA president Taa Grays said, "This MOU is an opportunity to collaborate, to partner, to advance our respective missions and to learn from each other." International Section member Howard Fischer said Ireland is "a great choice post-Brexit for a transaction with an EU connection," describing it as "a gateway to EU law done in a common-law style."

For the sector, a formal bar-to-bar agreement gives Irish barristers a structured channel into the US legal market rather than relying on ad hoc introductions through individual firms. For the sector's arbitration practitioners specifically, endorsement from one of the largest US state bar associations adds credibility to Ireland's pitch against far more established seats.

Whether this translates into a measurable increase in Ireland seated arbitrations, rather than goodwill between two bar associations, will be the practical test of the agreement.

Source: NYSBA / amNewYork / IrishCentral / Hayes Solicitors