Peter is a Partner in the Byrne Wallace Shields Employment team.
He is a seasoned legal advisor with over 20 years of commercial experience guiding clients through complex workforce restructuring initiatives. As a partner in the firm’s Employment practice, Peter provides strategic counsel to multinational corporations, public sector bodies, and high-growth companies navigating organisational change.
His practice focuses on advising employers on all aspects of restructuring, including redundancy planning, collective consultation obligations, TUPE transfers, and compliance with evolving employment legislation. Known for his pragmatic approach and deep understanding of employment law, Peter helps clients mitigate legal risk while achieving operational goals.
Based on his commercial and technology background, Peter provides expert guidance on workplace challenges arising from implementation of AI/software applications and upgrading of IT systems.
Peter is the immediate former chair of the Technology Committee of the Law Society of Ireland and currently sits on its AI sub-committee. He regularly speaks at seminars on the topic of AI. Peter is also a published author, and founder and current member of the board of Rugby Players Ireland.
Experience
- Based on commercial and technology background, providing expert guidance on workplace challenges arising from implementation of AI/software applications and upgrading of IT systems.
- Guiding firms through workforce restructuring process to optimize organisational efficiency.
- Drafting and negotiating Collective Bargaining Agreement between representative body, employer and employees, ensuring fair and equitable terms for all parties.
- Delivering advice to organisations regarding collective redundancies and programmes of temporary layoffs, mitigating legal risks effectively.
- Providing comprehensive legal counsel to organisations conducting review and redrafting of their contracts of employment and employee handbooks.
- Negotiating severance packages for C-Suite executives, ensuring an amicable separation.
Qualifications
- Law Society of Ireland - Admitted to the Roll of Solicitors
- UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School - Higher Diploma in Business Studies
- University College Dublin - Bachelor of Civil Law
Further Education
- Diploma in Management - Institute Management Ireland
- Diploma in Employment Law
- Diploma in Civil Litigation
- Diploma in Corporate Law and Governance
- Certificate in Data Protection Practice
- Certificate in Conveyancing
Memberships
- Law Society of Ireland
- Technology Committee of Law Society of Ireland
- Dublin Solicitors Bar Association