The Legal 500

A&L Goodbody’s busy practice excels in both the transactional and litigious arena. Practice head Kevin Feeney continues to lead advice to DirectRoute as preferred bidder on the N17/N18 motorway PPP, which is scheduled for financial close in 2013. The ‘outstanding’ Eamonn Conlon has ‘in-depth knowledge of construction contracts’, and ‘a common-sense approach to problem solving’.

Maples and Calder, which provides ‘top-notch service’, is acting for Irish Asphalt and Lagan Holdings in multiple claims relating to pyrite-related damage to buildings, and its extensive client roster also includes John Sisk & Son and Balfour Beatty. Dudley Solan is ‘one of the best lawyers in Ireland’, and Conor Owens is ‘extremely knowledgeable’ and ‘has come out from Dudley’s shadow’. The firm recently recruited Mary Dunne, formerly head of projects at ByrneWallace, and Peter Lennon and his insurance team from Lennon Heather Solicitors.

McCann FitzGerald’s breadth and depth of practice makes it a market leader, with its team being distinguished by ‘superb drafting skills, profound understanding of complex construction concepts, and mental agility’. In particular, Tim Bouchier-Hayes ‘gets to the nub of an issue quickly’, Kevin Kelly has ‘guru status for public procurement’, and the ‘outstanding’ Barrett Chapman is noted for his health and safety expertise. Clients include Bord Gáis Éireann, Diageo and the National Roads Authority.

Arthur Cox is advising Brehon Capital on its offer for the partially complete Grand Canal Square Hotel and residences, one of the first major distressed asset sales to secure project finance for completion. ‘Leading expert’ Niav O’Higgins and her team have ‘in-depth knowledge of the construction sector aligned with good commerciality’.

Construction boutique Hussey Fraser fields a team of five full-time specialists, and is admired for its contentious and non-contentious expertise. The practice acts for some of the largest domestic and international civil engineering and building companies in Ireland. Practice head Anthony Hussey is widely respected.

Mason Hayes & Curran’s large contentious practice provides ‘high standards of service’. The experienced Rory Kirrane acted in two high-profile building regulation cases requiring evacuation of affected premises, one involving 190 apartments. Susan Bryson is acting for Allianz as insurer of 4,000 schools and religious institutions in matters relating to building issues.

Matheson is always knowledgeable and well informed about current property and construction issues and risks, according to clients. In particular, practice head Damien Keogh and Rhona Henry provide ‘an excellent level of service delivery’. Key clients include Google, Microsoft and Bank of Ireland.

William Fry’s Liam McCabe and Jarleth Heneghan are ‘excellent in all aspects of their work: in particular, seeking out solutions which are agreeable to all parties’. Heneghan is leading the team’s advice to AIB and NAMA regarding one of the country’s largest developments, a mixed-use scheme at Dublin Docklands.

Beale and Company Solicitors’ ‘expertise and specialisation in construction disputes’ gives it the edge over more generalist teams in the market, say clients. The firm is recommended for its expertise in health and safety, conditions of engagement and building regulations. Stephen Chessher is ‘extremely well informed as to technical and contractual complexities’.

Beauchamps Solicitors is ‘technically very good across the board’, and has a large caseload that includes acting for Dublin City Council on the €270m Charlemont Street development, and advising Iarnrod Eíreann on the Dart upgrade and other matters. Bruno Herbots is ‘a shining star among construction lawyers’.

Eversheds’ impressive client roster includes major contractors, lenders and international companies, and the team earned significant new panel memberships during 2012. Mark Varian, Kerri Crossen and Dermot McEvoy head the team, which has cross-border experience and contentious capability.

LK Shields Solicitors advised CLG Developments on its €400m joint venture with Balfour Beatty for the long-term supply, construction and maintenance of network services to Bord Gáis. The firm is noted for its dispute resolution expertise in this area, with Gerard O’Hanlon being the key figure for this work.

Philip Lee has a longstanding reputation in this area, with managing partner Philip Lee having taken the lead on a number of significant construction projects over the years. The practice is currently advising on construction law aspects of some major national projects.

ByrneWallace’s practice is now led by associate Louise Forrest following Mary Dunne’s move to Maples and Calder. Forrest has ‘the ability to see and demonstrate the practical sides of debates and issues’. The team acted for MDY Construction in arbitration and High Court proceedings concerning the pyrite contamination of building materials.

Eugene F. Collins’ Margaret Austin handles contentious and non-contentious construction matters, and recently acted for a shopping centre developer in a €35m construction arbitration with a supermarket chain.

Holmes O’Malley Sexton has a caseload in the education and agriculture sectors, including Joseph O’Meara leading advice to a higher education provider on the design and construction of a grant-aided music and dance facility.

Ronan Daly Jermyn acts for local authorities and private contractors on projects across the country, and is advising Bord Gáis on wind energy projects. Finola McCarthy is a construction law specialist.