Underpinned by the firm's excellent connections to debtors, lenders and insolvency practitioners, A&L Goodbody LLP continues to land some of the biggest engagements in the market. It has recently acted for the examiner of Mallinckrodt in one of the largest restructurings using the examinership process in Ireland, opening the way for a US Chapter 11 restructuring. Other highlights include its representation of the secured lenders in the Chapter 11 restructuring of Nordic Aviation Capital. Practice chair David Baxter has an outstanding reputation in the area, as do Mark Traynor and Marsha Coghlan. Brian O’Malley continues to make an impression, having been promoted to partner in 2021.
Insolvency and corporate restructuring in Ireland
A&L Goodbody LLP
Practice head(s):
David Baxter
Other key lawyers:
Mark Traynor; Marsha Coghlan; Brian O’Malley
Testimonials
‘A&L has a great team both at the partnership and associate level. They collaborated well within their team and with other law firms, financial and tax advisers to deliver a challenging debt-for-equity transaction.’
‘Brian O’Malley did a great job running the matter, first as a senior associate, then as a partner. His advice was always clear, comprehensive and to-the-point.’
‘Brian O’Malley is very sensible, pragmatic, balanced and user-friendly.’
‘David Baxter is an excellent lawyer and very good to work with. Top class.’
Key clients
Voyager Aviation Management Ireland DAC
Deloitte
KPMG
Grant Thornton
EY
Promontoria / Cerberus
Ad Hoc Steering Committee of the Senior Lenders to Celtic Roads Group (Waterford) DAC
Work highlights
- Acted for Michael McAteer of Grant Thornton in his capacity as Examiner of Mallinckrodt.
- Advised BNP Paribas and an ad hoc committee of secured lenders in relation to the Chapter 11 restructuring of Nordic Aviation Capital and the separation and recapitalisation of NAC Aviation 33 and NAC Aviation 34.
- Advised the majority senior lenders on their options to restructure the debt obligations of Celtic Road Group (Waterford).
Arthur Cox
Arthur Cox continues to field market-leading work, which has included acting for Mallinckrodt Group on its $6bn global corporate and financial restructuring, implemented through US Chapter 11 proceedings, and parallel examinership proceedings in Ireland. The firm possesses a rich and varied client base, made up of numerous creditors, debtors, bondholders, insolvency practitioners, and financial investors. William Day leads the insolvency and restructuring department, while John Donald also has an outstanding reputation in the field - particularly for corporate restructuring work. Of counsel Frances Flynn is noted for her capabilities in both domestic and cross-border proceedings.
Practice head(s):
William Day
Other key lawyers:
John Donald; Frances Flynn; Philippa Pierse
Testimonials
‘Best team in Ireland bar none.’
‘Arthur Cox was a great team to be co-counsel with in a complex global restructuring. Their breadth of resources across practices is unparalleled. They are responsive, collaborative, strategic and have a great presence in Ireland.’
‘John Donald is a formidable restructuring professional. He is strategic, thoughtful, responsive, patient, and is extremely adept at wrangling divergent interests and pushing parties to move the matters along and finding compromises amongst these varied parties.
‘Frances Flynn is a true rising star. She was extremely responsive to our team in all the documentation needs for a complex restructuring, her demeanor in court was strong, and she has stellar interpersonal skills.’
‘Personable, knowledgeable and solution focused.’
Key clients
Mallinckrodt plc and its Irish subsidiaries
NAC 29 Noteholders of Nordic Aviation Capital DAC Group
Celtic Roads Group (Waterford) DAC
We.Trade
Bank of Ireland
Grant Thornton
Colin Gaynor, Resolute Advisory
Beachpoint Capital Ireland Lending DAC
KPMG
Kroll
ABS Lenders
American Eagle
Ad Hoc First Lien Committee to Endo
Work highlights
- Advised Mallinckrodt Group on a $6bn global corporate and financial restructuring project, which was implemented through ongoing Chapter 11 proceedings in the US and parallel examinership proceedings in Ireland.
- Advised the NAC 29 noteholder group on the Irish law aspects of the restructuring of Nordic Aviation Capital.
- Advised Celtic Roads Group (Waterford) on the restructuring of the N25 PPP project, which was effected by means of an Irish law scheme of arrangement sanctioned by the High Court of Ireland.
Mason Hayes & Curran LLP
Mason Hayes & Curran LLP has been at the forefront of the insolvency and restructuring field over the last few years, handling numerous headline engagements in the aviation industry. The firm benefits from a large group of specialists that operate in the sector, along with a significant number of dispute resolution experts that also have a strong focus on contentious insolvency and restructuring matters. Clients highlight the firm’s ‘multidisciplinary approach’ as a point of distinction when compared to its competitors. Judith Riordan and Maurice Phelan are top litigators that have an extensive record in restructuring and insolvency processes. Frank Flanagan is also building a presence in the market, having previously had a 20-year career in communications and computer hardware.
Practice head(s):
Maurice Phelan; Judith Riordan
Other key lawyers:
Frank Flanagan; James Morrin
Testimonials
‘A core strength is the strong, cooperative relationships, both within restructuring and insolvency, and across the firm generally, resulting in the full range of expertise being available on any issue.’
‘That multidisciplinary approach distinguishes its team from competitors and ensures that the full range and depth of the firm’s expertise is available in advising clients.’
‘Frank Flanagan is unparalleled when it comes to technical expertise across a breadth of subject areas. His facility with complex and obscure issues, coupled with a masterful command of court procedures, results in timely, cost-effective and innovative solutions, both in a court context and otherwise. Where a court application is required, Frank rarely fails to deliver the result.’
‘The restructuring and insolvency team is first class. They combine an unrivalled knowledge of the Irish legal landscape with an understanding of the commercial needs of clients to deliver pragmatic solutions to complex problems. The team is known for its professionalism, responsiveness and proactivity.’
‘Maurice Phelan is a leader in his field. He brings a wealth of experience and a strong commercial judgement to bear on complex legal problems. He is diligent, responsive and a very clear communicator. He is tactically astute and gets out ahead of problems. Highly respected among his peers.’
‘James Morrin is a rising star in commercial litigation. He is thorough in his work and innovative in finding the best solutions for his clients. He is very hard-working.’
‘Maurice Phelan and Frank Flanagan are experts in their field. They have impressively wide-reaching familiarity with and grasp of the array of issues which can arise in a cross-border restructuring transaction.’
‘Maurice Phelan is very personable, driven to deliver excellence, and very astute in his advice.’
Key clients
AIB
The Official Committee of Opioid Claimants and the Future Claims Representative
XS Direct Group
Mazars
Friel Stafford
Bank of Scotland Plc (part of the Lloyds Banking Group plc)
OU Best Idea
KPMG
Pepper Finance Corporation (Ireland) DAC
Grant Thornton
Travelers Insurance DAC
Kirby Healy Chartered Accountants
PPL Group Holdings Limited
Bauer Media Audio Ireland Limited
Work highlights
- Advised The Official Committee of Opioid Claimants and the Future Claimants’ Representative on the examinership of Mallinckrodt Public Limited Company, one of the largest examinerships in Ireland.
- Represented Allied Irish Banks on the receivership of Roadbridge.
- Advised the shareholders of Nordic Aviation Capital on the company’s headline global corporate restructuring.
Matheson LLP
Matheson LLP's significant depth of resources is apparent in the insolvency and restructuring field, with the firm having acted in a range of key matters in the aviation and retail industries in recent years. Noted for its connections to influential insolvency practitioners, as well as creditors and numerous debtors, the team is particularly rated for transatlantic and multi-jurisdictional work. The practice is jointly chaired by Tony O’Grady, Brendan Colgan, and Julie Murphy-O’Connor, all three of whom are major names in the sector, while Kevin Gahan has continued to rise in prominence.
Practice head(s):
Tony O’Grady; Brendan Colgan; Julie Murphy-O’Connor
Other key lawyers:
Kevin Gahan
Testimonials
‘Large practice with good resources. Excellent restructuring knowledge and sector expertise.’
‘Kevin Gahan is an excellent and diligent restructuring solicitor.’
‘Matheson is a top legal firm. Having worked with many of their solicitors and teams over the years, I can safely say that their quality of service is consistently high across the entire firm.’
‘Brendan Colgan is an outstanding insolvency and restructuring lawyer. His practical and commercial advice is underpinned by a keen understanding of the law and experience handing complex cases. Brendan brings a personal touch to all client interaction, and I’ve never come across a lawyer who works so hard. Brendan is my trusted advisor and the first person I’m likely to call when facing a challenging case.’
Key clients
PWC
EY
KPMG
Deloitte
Grant Thornton
BDO
Kroll
Mazars
Baker Tilly
RSM
Evelyn Partners
Russell Brennan Keane
McStay Luby
Goldman Sachs
CarVal Investors
Oaktree
Bank of Ireland
AIB
KBC Bank Ireland
Work highlights
- Continuing to advise the Norwegian Air group on an entity rationalisation project that involves the presentation of individual petitions to the High Court that seek to appoint Andrew O’Leary and Kieran Wallace as joint liquidators.
- Advised Neil Hughes, as examiner of Premier Periclase, in connection with all matters relating to his appointment.
- Advised Ken Fennell and James Anderson of Deloitte Ireland as joint liquidators of AEO Retail (Ireland) and AEOEU, the Irish franchise of American Eagle, on all aspects of the liquidation.
McCann FitzGerald LLP
McCann FitzGerald LLP is among the leading firms in the restructuring and insolvency arena, handling an ever-growing number of Irish scheme of arrangement matters. Underpinned by its strong connections to insolvency practitioners, creditors and debtors, the team has an impressive record in cross-border and multi-jurisdictional engagements - particularly in the aviation sector. Recent highlights for the practice include advising the boards of directors of eight Irish subsidiaries of SAS on the US Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing made by the company in July 2022. Head of the restructuring and insolvency group Michael Murphy has an outstanding reputation in the field, along with senior figure Lisa Smyth and internationally experienced David O’Dea.
Practice head(s):
Michael Murphy
Other key lawyers:
Lisa Smyth; David O’Dea
Testimonials
‘Very responsive. Understands the issues well and advice is relevant.’
‘Michael Murphy keeps advice concise. Understands the issues, and involves partners with other expertise where needed.’
‘McCann Fitzgerald is a top Irish legal firm who I have worked with for many years. Always attentive and focused on the key issues, cutting through the peripheral noise.’
‘Michael Murphy is a top insolvency and restructuring lawyer in Ireland, who always brings a calming presence to challenging and difficult situations, a true trusted advisor.’
‘David O’Dea is emerging as a leading talent in the world of insolvency and restructuring, always available to take a client call and work through difficult issues and commercial situations.’
Key clients
Stephen Tennant, Michael McAteer and Nicholas O’Dwyer, Grant Thornton
Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP (Mallinckrodt restructuring)
SAS Airlines
National Asset Management Agency
Kieran Wallace, Eamonn Richardson and Shane McCarthy, KPMG
Ulster Bank Ireland DAC
Ken Fennell and Mark Degnan, Deloitte
John McStay and Jim Luby, McStay Luby
Ken Tyrell and Declan McDonald, PwC
Work highlights
- Advised the boards of directors of eight Irish subsidiaries of SAS on the US Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing made on 5 July 2022 and the implications of the filing where that process is not automatically recognised in Ireland.
- Acted as Irish advisers to the first lien lender group of Mallinkckrodt in the US Chapter 11 bankruptcy process and the subsequent bolt on Irish examinership process.
- Acted for the receivers in ongoing litigation with Dunnes Stores, including the recent contempt proceedings against Dunnes and its directors in respect of its failure to comply with a court order to fit out its store in the Point Square Shopping Centre.
William Fry LLP
William Fry LLP has an impressive record in high-value corporate debt restructurings and insolvencies, advising key stakeholders in recent matters involving Nordic Aviation Capital, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Ballantyne Re and Weatherford International; it advised Nordic Aviation Capital on the restructuring of its $6.8bn debt which completed in 2022. Along with major aviation restructurings, the firm has been at the forefront of retail and hospitality examinerships. The immensely experienced Fergus Doorly leads the team that includes emerging talents Craig Sowman and Ruairi Rynn.
Practice head(s):
Fergus Doorly
Other key lawyers:
Ruairi Rynn; Craig Sowman; Niamh Cacciato; Alice O’Connor
Testimonials
‘Extremely knowledgeable, very reassuring, and technically sound. Excellent communication skills and put the client first.’
‘Despite being a very large and well known firm, the interaction from partner level down is exceptional. Craig Sowman, Ruairi Rynn, and Fergus Doorly are a pleasure to work with. Their technical knowledge immediately puts you at ease in complex cases. I look forward to continuing to work with Craig, Ruairi and Fergus in the future. Problem-solving and solution finding is first class.’
‘Market leading practice with three of the pre-eminent insolvency minds at the helm. Tremendous exposure right across the insolvency spectrum, which means they are the leading lights for difficult cases. For such an in-demand practice, they are highly responsive with really strong interpersonal communication skills. You always feel valued as a client, and they are tremendous to work with.’
‘Fergus Doorly has seen it all. Nothing fazes him, which is really reassuring for difficult restructuring assignments.’
‘Craig Sowman’s extensive knowledge of the law and commercial acumen means that as his client we are assured of receiving well-thought-out, robust legal advice that can be relied upon.’
‘William Fry have provided us with a consistently excellent service for many years. The firm has a full service in depth spread of legal talent.’
‘Fergus Doorly is responsive and unflustered, with excellent attention to detail. Ruairi Rynn has superb technical knowledge and initiative. Great to get the deal over the line. Craig Sowman is calm in a crisis. Gives great confidence to his clients. Niamh Cacciato delivers thorough advice and solutions.’
‘Ruairi Rynn is an excellent solicitor. Fergus Doorly is a very experienced solicitor. Craig Sowman is an excellent solicitor with good sectoral experience.’
Key clients
Nordic Aviation Capital DAC
Kieran Wallace, KPMG
EY
PwC
Baker Tilly
Grant Thornton
Deloitte
Kroll
RSM Ireland
Kirby Healy Chartered Accountants
Sabios
Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
National Asset Management Agency
Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA and related companies
Montrose Global Aircraft Leasing Limited and subsidiaries
Work highlights
- Advised Nordic Aviation Capital in its $6.8bn debt restructuring, which completed in June 2022.
- Advised various US states and governmental entities on the restructuring of their claims against Mallinckrodt, relating to the sale and distribution of certain opium products through an Irish examinership and US chapter 11 proceedings.
- Advised Kieran Wallace and Andrew O’Leary of KPMG as joint liquidators on the insolvent liquidation Norwegian Air Resources.
Addleshaw Goddard
Addleshaw Goddard's Dublin team now offers further expertise and resources in cross-border restructurings and insolvencies, following the international firm’s merger with Dublin firm Eugene F Collins in March 2022. It has strong connections to accountancy firms and banks, leading to engagements in most of the key restructuring and insolvency matters in Ireland; to illustrate this, it recently advised a group of creditors in the Nordic Aviation restructuring. Doug Smith is a hugely experienced and highly-rated restructuring and insolvency specialist, while consultant Terry Leggett is a litigator with an extensive record in insolvency cases. Jonathan Lynch is a legal director in the corporate recovery group.
Practice head(s):
Doug Smith
Other key lawyers:
Terry Leggett; Jonathan Lynch
Testimonials
‘Long history in the sector. Well known team, now strengthened by the recent merger.’
‘Doug Smith is an excellent solicitor.’
Key clients
Creditors in Mallinckrodt PLC
Creditors of Nordic Aviation Capital DAC
Pharm-Olam
M-Birr
Damien Murran, Teneo
PwC – Declan McDonald
KPMG – Kieran Wallace, Eamonn Richardson
Deloitte – Ken Fennell, David Van Dessel
Ernst & Young – Luke Charleton
Grant Thornton – Paul McCann and Michael McAteer
BDO – Jim Hamilton and David O’Connor
RSM Ireland – George Maloney
Duff & Phelps – Declan Taite, Anne O’Dwyer
McStay Luby – Jim Luby and John Mcstay
Kirby Healy – Myles Kirby
Ferris & Associates – Martin Ferris
Baker Tilly Hughes Blake – Dessie Morrow
Somers, Murphy & Earl – Derek Earl
GSW – Michael Sargent
Cold Move
Work highlights
- Acted for BOKF NA in its capacity as trustee of the second lien noteholders in the Mallinckrodt examinership.
- Acted for Pharm-Olam in its claim in the liquidation of sublimity.
- Acted for a group of creditors in the Nordic Aviation restructuring.
Beauchamps LLP
Beauchamps LLP is a prominent player in the restructuring and insolvency field, thanks in large part to the presence of the highly-rated Barry Cahir, praised by clients for his 'knowledge, commercial sense and practicality'. He and the team have advised stakeholders in a number of recent headline examinerships and other insolvencies. Simon Murphy is an emerging talent in the sector, having been promoted to partner in August 2021, along with Clíodhna Walsh, who specialises in personal insolvency.
Practice head(s):
Barry Cahir
Other key lawyers:
Simon Murphy; Clíodhna Walsh
Testimonials
‘The team in Beauchamps are generally easy to contact and respond promptly. They are also easy to have a discussion with.’
‘Beauchamps is a leading Irish firm in the area of corporate restructuring and insolvency. The Beauchamps team are highly knowledgeably, experienced, practical, extremely client-focused and bring deep expertise across their firm.’
‘Barry Cahir is a leading Irish insolvency and corporate restructuring lawyer who brings a huge amount of experience, legal knowledge, commercial sense and practicality to challenging and complex situations. Barry is super client-focused and a trusted adviser of mine. Simon Murphy is emerging as a very talented insolvency lawyer, who is always available to discuss and talk through tricky and complex restructuring issues.’
Key clients
AIB Group
Aiden Murphy of Crowe
Aldo Shoe Group
Cerberus
CityJet DAC
David O’Connor of BDO
Declan Taite of Kroll
DigitalBridge Group Inc (formerly Colony Capital Inc)
Dublin Port Company
Eamonn Richardson of KPMG
Everyday Finance DAC
Flairline Fashions
KBC Bank Ireland plc
Ken Tyrrell of PwC
Nicholas Wood, Grant Thornton UK
Oaktree Capital Management
Paddy O’Connell of RSM Ireland
Paperchase
Pepper Finance Corporation Ireland DAC
Sean’s Bar
Tom O’Brien of Mazars
Ulster Bank Ireland DAC
Work highlights
- Advised DigitalBridge Group on the enforcement of security against Ronan Group Real Estate, and in the defence of a claim of Ronan Group Real Estate to ensure completion of the sale of a loan portfolio with a value in excess of €1bn.
- Advised Tom O’Brien of Mazars as the examiner of Cosmetic Creations through its successful examinership.
- Advised Pepper Finance Corporation (Ireland) on successfully opposing the application of Mr Jay Bourke for a personal insolvency arrangement seeking to write down his debts of €13.7m.
ByrneWallace LLP
ByrneWallace LLP is a growing force in restructuring and insolvency. The team has especially benefited from numerous internal referrals from real estate and corporate colleagues, landing a series of major engagements, including a number of headline examinerships. It also has strong links to creditors, including alternative funders, and works with most of the major insolvency offices in Ireland. Practice chair John Fitzgerald has more than a decade of experience in restructuring and insolvency, having previously specialised in banking and finance. Sean Neville is a key name to note at associate level.
Practice head(s):
John Fitzgerald
Other key lawyers:
Sean Neville; Alison O’Sullivan
Testimonials
‘As a team, the insolvency and corporate insolvency practice in ByrneWallace is experienced, highly knowledgeable, and proactive. Easy to work with’
‘John Fitzgerald is calm, unflustered, and solution driven.’
‘Sean Neville is a good senior associate to have on your side.’
‘Alison O’Sullivan adopts a very common sense, pragmatic approach to insolvency and restructuring property transactions.’
Work highlights
- Advised a cosmetics manufacturing business on all aspects of its petition to have an examiner appointed and in relation to engagement with all key stakeholders throughout the process.
- Advised a state body on the examinership of Premier Periclase and the interplay between the examinership framework and the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).
- Advised a private equity fund on an application for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court in relation to the extent that assets can be sold under a Personal Insolvency Arrangement without debtor consent.
Dillon Eustace
Dillon Eustace has a well-established restructuring and insolvency practice, particularly in corporate restructurings and examinerships, where it advises a host of key stakeholders. The firm is also frequently engaged by insolvency practitioners seeking representation in liquidations, and benefits from a dedicated fraud and asset tracing group within the wider team and has an extensive record in personal insolvencies. Jamie Ensor is a leading practitioner in the field, while senior associate Shane Harron is noted for receiver litigation. Partner Peter Bredin is a litigator with a background in corporate recovery.
Practice head(s):
Jamie Ensor
Other key lawyers:
Shane Harron; Peter Bredin
Testimonials
‘Jamie Ensor is stand-out. Very strong commercially and technically; easy to work with.’
‘Able to pull in experts from other departments, and engagement is quite nimble.’
‘Jamie Ensor delivers well considered, thought out advice, with the rationale explained, and he gets to the nub of the issue very quickly. Responsive, engaging, and looks around the corner.’
‘Jamie Ensor is accessible, highly experienced and knowledgeable, and provides concise and practical advice. He is the person to have in your corner for any complex, time sensitive restructuring or insolvency matter.’
‘Shane Harron has built up his own practice and has his own impressive stable of clients who instruct him.’
‘Practical and realistic with a good sense of where the strengths and weaknesses in a case lie. Very approachable and responsive.’
‘Jamie Ensor is an experienced hand who radiates calm throughout the most difficult of cases. Excellent commercial sense. Shane Harron is a good communicator and sees the bigger picture.’
Key clients
AIB
Deutsche Bank Trust Company America
PwC
NAMA
Mazars
E&Y
Deloitte
Grant Thornton
RSM Ireland (Paddy O’Connell)
Lapithus
Crowe Ireland (Aiden Murphy)
Baker Tilly
Pepper Asset Servicing
Smith & Williamson
McStay Luby
Mars Capital
KPMG
Aidan Garcia Diaz
John Healy (Kirby Healy)
Mabanaft Scandinavia A/S
Myles Kirby (Kirby Healy)
Martin Ferris and Patrick McCoy
Tanager DAC
Seaconview DAC
Havbell DAC
Havbell No. 2 DAC
Recaro Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KG
Work highlights
- Advised an ad hoc syndicate of secured creditors with combined debt of approximately $1bn in the restructuring of Nordic Aviation Capital.
- Advised Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas in its capacity as Indenture/Security Trustee for several series of unsecured notes relating to the restructuring of a large US pharmaceuticals multinational.
- Acted for the liquidator in ongoing Commercial Court proceedings, prosecuting a claim for Missing Trader Intra-Community VAT fraud (MTIC Fraud) against certain stakeholders.
Eversheds Sutherland
Eversheds Sutherland has a wide-ranging practice that ranges from liquidations, examinerships, and restructurings to loan portfolio transactions. Norman Fitzgerald is a senior litigator, who has a long history of representing liquidators in insolvency cases, along with further experience in examinerships and receiverships. Neil O’Mahony is another senior practitioner, who represented Deutsche Bank on the Irish law aspects of Mallinckrodt’s international restructuring. At senior associate level, Barbara Galvin is especially recommended.
Practice head(s):
Norman Fitzgerald; Neil O’Mahony
Other key lawyers:
Graham Kenny; Barbara Galvin
Testimonials
‘The team that I work with are proactive and dynamic. They respond quickly and act collaboratively with me as a barrister.’
‘Graham Kenny is an excellent lawyer; quick thinking and respected by his colleagues.’
‘International reach across numerous jurisdictions, with a no-nonsense approach.’
‘Norman Fitzgerald has a very strong commercial acumen. Solution-oriented.’
‘The team provides an efficient, effective and personal service, demonstrating expert knowledge of the area of insolvency and cooperate restructuring.’
‘Norman Fitzgerald provides measured expert guidance, and is an excellent calming voice during periods of high pressure.’
Key clients
Citibank
Insolvency Service of Ireland
KPMG
ACCLM / Rabobank /Link
Allied Irish Banks p.l.c.
Bank of Ireland
BDO
Cairn Homes Plc
Deloitte
Deutsche Bank AG, Deutsche Bank, London Branch
Ernst & Young
Grant Thornton
Hibernia REIT
KBC Bank
NAMA
PwC
Ronan Real Estate Group
Ulster Bank / RBS
JW Accountants
Duff & Phelps
Work highlights
- Represented Deutsche Bank on the Irish law aspects of Mallinckrodt’s international restructuring.
- Advised the directors of Blenheim/Momentum Engineering in proceedings alleging reckless trading, imposition of personal liability for failure to keep accounting records and breach of duty.
- Advised the liquidator (KPMG) of Media Partners & Silva in relation to the liquidation and an investigation into the conduct of the directors and proceedings alleging price fixing and cartel behaviour.
Maples Group
Maples Group is a strong choice for a number of insolvency practitioners, creditors and debtors, who turn to the team for its capabilities in high-profile matters. Recent engagements have seen the team acting for the official committee of unsecured creditors of Mallinckrodt in respect of the company’s Chapter 11 restructuring. Distressed loan portfolio acquisitions by private equity funds are a further key workflow for the practice. Robin McDonnell leads the dispute resolution and insolvency group in Dublin, drawing on extensive experience in liquidations, examinerships, receiverships, schemes of arrangement and bankruptcies. Karole Cuddihy is another key figure within the practice.
Practice head(s):
Robin McDonnell
Other key lawyers:
Karole Cuddihy
Testimonials
‘Maples Group has a strong presence in our market with experienced professionals at the helm.’
‘Robin McDonnell is a highly experienced professional and carries weight in our market.’
‘Quality of drafting, briefing and documentation produced is at the very top end of the market.’
‘Karole Cuddihy is a really good operator and very sharp.’
‘The team is top-drawer.’
‘Karole Cuddihy and Robin McDonnell are fantastic; they are able to distil difficult concepts into practical advice.’
Key clients
Michael McAteer and Paul McCann of Grant Thornton, in their capacity as the Joint Official Liquidators of Treasury Holdings and 15 related companies
Pepper Asset Servicing
Myles Kirby
Freddie White of Grant Thornton, in his capacity as the Liquidator of Enterprise Insurance Company
Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Mallinckrodt plc
Work highlights
- Acted for the official committee of unsecured creditors of Mallinckrodt in respect of the company’s Chapter 11 restructuring.
- Acted for Michael McAteer and Paul McCann of Grant Thornton, in their capacity as the joint official liquidators of Treasury Holdings and 15 related companies.
- Acted for Pepper Asset Servicing and various receivers in relation to various litigation and enforcement matters across the loan book portfolios acquired by SPVs that are owned by Goldman Sachs and CarVal.
RDJ LLP
With an established record in both domestic and cross-border engagements, RDJ LLP advises a range of insolvency practitioners, distressed companies, directors and creditors. Recent engagements have seen the team advising Beechbrook Capital in connection with the examinership of Bio-Medical Research. Cork partner Ashling Walsh leads the insolvency and corporate restructuring team, which includes litigator Darryl Broderick and Dublin partner Michael Quinlan.
Practice head(s):
Ashling Walsh
Other key lawyers:
Darryl Broderick; Michael Quinlan.
Testimonials
‘The RJD team are diligent, professional and responsive. Advice is always clear and definitive, and takes account of all commercial and practical considerations and difficulties.’
‘Excellent advice and follow-up, including innovative solutions.’
‘Ashling Walsh provides excellent advice, guidance, customer service and innovative solutions.’
‘RDJ uniquely are able to leverage multiple office locations without impacting the high level and consistency of service. Physical proximity to the client brings a higher level of relationship and trust.’
‘Individuals in RDJ are easy to work with, but also driven to excel. In particular, I have worked with Ashling Walsh for about 15 years and found her focus and sector awareness excellent.’
‘The team are responsive, commercial, pragmatic and see the bigger picture.’
‘Darryl Broderick and Ashling Walsh are a pleasure to work with. We needed urgent advices overnight on a high profile cross border insolvency, and the team responded immediately. Would recommend them every time.’
‘Excellent, clear, concise legal advice. RDJ deliver in terms of all deadlines and deliverables.’
Key clients
Beechbrook Capital LLP and Deloitte
George Maloney, liquidator over McGettigan Construction Limited
Pepper Finance Corporation (Ireland) DAC (“Pepper”)
George Maloney, Receiver, RSM Ireland and National Asset Management Agency
Deloitte and National Asset Management Agency
Vincent McGowne and Myles Kirby
Morgan McKinley
Chubb Insurance Company of Europe SE
Work highlights
- Advised Beechbrook Capital in connection with the examinership of Bio-Medical Research.
- Advised ORG Investment Holdings in respect of the purchase of the entire issued share capital and funding notes of Aurora Acquisitions from Vurdon.
- Advised Myles Kirby, as liquidator of Irish Gold & Silver Bullion, in proceedings seeking various reliefs against a former director of the company including personal liability for fraudulent and reckless trading and misappropriation of company funds.
BHSM LLP
BHSM LLP has a highly reputable practice, particularly in the insolvency field, where the team frequently advises a range of insolvency practitioners in headline liquidations. Managing partner Mark Homan is a recognised insolvency and restructuring expert, praised by clients for his 'excellent knowledge of the law is complimented by a strong commercial sense'. Brian Baily - experienced in liquidations, receiverships, and examinerships - provides additional senior-level expertise.
Practice head(s):
Mark Homan; Brian Baily
Testimonials
‘As a relatively new firm, they have grown consistently in terms of size and quality of instructions that they now receive to a point where they are recognised in the marketplace.’
‘Big firm service level and responsiveness while retaining the personal relationships and dynamic associated with dealing with a small firm.’
‘Good people, attentive to client needs, and knowledgable about cases and the law affecting those cases.’
‘The team acts professionally and quickly and keeps the level of information high, so that you always feel that you are in safe hands.’
‘I have primarily worked with Mark Homan. He is very professional, dedicated and motivated and shows broad knowledge in insolvency issues as well as other legal areas.’
‘The BHSM team is very well known in the Irish market. BHSM’s bring a very personable approach to client interaction and back that up with excellent and knowledgeable people who provide top quality advice.’
‘Mark Homan is a trusted advisor, who has a lot of experience in all restructuring and insolvency matters, which is invaluable in difficult and challenging cases. Mark’s excellent knowledge of the law is complimented by a strong commercial sense, which is very helpful in resolving difficult issues practically.’
Key clients
Myles Kirby, Liquidator
Tony McBride, Liquidator
Barry Donohue, Liquidator
Aiden Murphy, Liquidator
John Foley, Liquidator
Tony McBride, Liquidator
Ken Tyrrell, PWC
Dr Hendrik Offereins
Tom Murray, Liquidator
Micheal Leydon, Liquidator
Work highlights
- Issued High Court proceedings in respect of a fraudulent trading case against Irish businessman, Peter Conlon.
- Advised the liquidator of the Mothercare Group on all aspects relating to the winding up of the Irish Group.
- Advised Myles Kirby, the liquidator of Ethafil in relation to a dispute which had arisen in relation to a valuable property.
Dentons Ireland
Dentons Ireland has made a significant impact on the market since launching in Dublin in September 2020. In the insolvency and restructuring field it has achieved key roles in the major restructurings and insolvencies before the Irish courts, involving pharmaceutical companies, payment service providers, and airlines, to name a few. It has strong links to insolvency practitioners acting as liquidators, examiners and receivers, while also having links to major creditors and other stakeholders in distressed situations. Head of the department Gareth Steen is a recognised insolvency and restructuring specialist, as is experienced counsel Gemma Freeman.
Practice head(s):
Gareth Steen
Other key lawyers:
Gemma Freeman
Key clients
Kieran Wallace, KPMG
Ken Fennell and James Anderson, Deloitte
Myles Kirby, Kirby Healy
Attestor Capital LLP
Mark Degnan, Deloitte
Work highlights
- Advised Attestor as an objecting creditor in the restructuring of Mallinckrodt through the examinership process in Ireland.
- Advised Kieran Wallace as the court appointed administrator to CHC, a failed investment firm.
- Acted for the joint liquidators of Wirecard, which collapsed by virtue of an alleged large-scale international fraud.
DLA Piper Ireland LLP
DLA Piper Ireland LLP has made an immediate impact on the market following the hires of insolvency and restructuring partner Gavin Smith and legal director Greg Cooney from Walkers in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Smith has an impressive record in cross-border restructurings, along with examinerships and liquidations. Recent highlights saw the new team advising Kieran Wallace and Eamon Richardson of KPMG in their role as special liquidators of Irish Bank Resolution Corporation, in Ireland’s largest ever corporate insolvency.
Practice head(s):
Gavin Smith
Other key lawyers:
Greg Cooney
Testimonials
‘DLA’s team are exceptional in their client commitment.’
‘Gavin Smith’s interest in and understanding of the technical legal issues makes him stand out from the crowd. He is able to distil highly complex concepts with ease.’
‘I do not know the team, but I have worked closely with Gavin Smith (who joined from Walkers) in the past. Gavin is a first-rate lawyer and formidable tactician, who has impressive experience in this area. Moreover, he is an absolute pleasure to deal with.’
Key clients
Kieran Wallace and Eamon Richardson of KPMG in their role as special liquidators of Irish Bank Resolution Corporation
Danish Guarantee Fund for Non-Life Insurers
Lufthansa Technik AG
Terminal One Group Association, L.P.
Aurelius Equity Opportunities
Work highlights
- Advised Kieran Wallace and Eamon Richardson of KPMG in their role as special liquidators of Irish Bank Resolution Corporation, in Ireland’s largest ever corporate insolvency.
- Acted for the Danish Guarantee Fund for Non-Life Insurers in the multi-million-Euro liquidation of Irish insurance company CBLIE.
- Acted as local counsel for Lufthansa Technik in its position as one of the creditors of the Norwegian Air Shuttle group in relation to its restructuring through examinership in Ireland.
Fieldfisher
Fieldfisher has a small team, which is led by the hugely experienced Mark Woodcock. He and the group have a strong record in representing banks in enforcement litigation and insolvency practitioners in liquidations. The firm also maintains a niche advising the Official Assignee as part of the Insolvency Service of Ireland, and is also active in fixed-charge receiverships.
Practice head(s):
Mark Woodcock
Testimonials
‘The firm is proactive in our market. Good marketing methods.’
‘Mark Woodcock is a highly experienced insolvency and restructuring lawyer in our market.’
‘Having dealt with Fieldfisher for many years, I find the firm’s responsiveness to matters, attention to detail and the collaborative nature of their litigation and property teams in insolvency and restructuring matters to be of the highest order.’
Key clients
Official Assignee as part of the Insolvency Service of Ireland (ISI)
BBL Brockdorff & Partner
GBW Accountants
Deloitte Ireland
Premier Periclase Limited
Start Mortgages DAC
Somers, Murphy and Earl, Chartered Accountants
RSM, Chartered Accountants
The National Asset Management Agency (NAMA)
BDO LLP
Friel Stafford, Chartered Accountants
The Bank of Ireland
Baker Tilly, Chartered Accountants
Work highlights
- Advised the Official Assignee in multiple simultaneous applications to the High Court and a hearing to determine multiple issues involving a number of parties with conflicting interests.
- Advised Premier Periclase and its directors through petitioning the High Court, the Examinership process and due diligence on behalf of the new shareholders.
- Advised Start Mortgages on obtaining a High Court Order to appoint a receiver over proceeds of a Zurich Insurance policy.
Hayes Solicitors LLP
Hayes Solicitors LLP has a wide-ranging insolvency and restructuring practice, frequently acting for insolvency practitioners, lenders, asset managers, and loan portfolio acquisition vehicles. Managing partner Joe O’Malley is a senior litigator with a solid background in insolvency and restructuring, while Jeremy Erwin is also noted for his capabilities in high-value insolvencies. Newly elected partner Cian Clinch – praised by clients for his 'decisive and tenacious' approach – provides further senior-level talent in this area.
Practice head(s):
Joe O’Malley
Other key lawyers:
Jeremy Erwin; Cian Clinch; Michael Kelly; John Deignan; Gill Cotter
Testimonials
‘The team at Hayes brings together excellent knowledge of the law, a high attention to detail and a very pragmatic approach to challenging problems.’
‘Joe O’Malley brings with him an enormous wealth of experience across the whole spectrum of commercial litigation.’
‘Jeremy Erwin is a superb litigator with a keen instinct for strategy.’
‘Cian Clinch is decisive and tenacious with an immense work ethic.’
‘John Deignan is extremely hard working and very responsive.’
‘Gill Cotter is thorough and always extremely well prepared for every case.’
‘Michael Kelly is highly experienced in insolvency litigation and is well capable of tackling complex cross-border cases.’
‘The Hayes team offers exceptional client service, offering strategic advice in a timely and easy to understand way. They have an ability to distill problems down to the core/route problem and formulate strategies that achieve outcomes in a streamlined and cost-efficient manner.’
Key clients
AIB
Baker Tilly Ireland
Bank of Ireland
Cerberus/Promontoria
Country Manor Hotels Limited
Deloitte
Duff & Phelps
Everyday Finance DAC
Feniton Property Finance DAC
Goldman Sachs
Grant Thornton
Hydromine Inc.
Kirby Healy Chartered Accountants
KPMG
Mars Capital
Mazars
NAMA
Pepper Finance Corporation (Ireland) DAC
Promontoria / Cerberus
PwC
Smith & Williamson
Work highlights
- Acted for the liquidator of MUT 103.
- Advised the liquidator of three related companies in a case involving alleged fraud and dishonesty by the directors of the companies.
- Advised Promontoria/Cerberus in a long-running case arising from extensive fraud, culminating in the Supreme Court accepting an appeal in relation to discovery of the price paid for a loan acquired from NAMA.
Lavelle Partners
Lavelle Partners has a prestigious history in the insolvency and restructuring field, thanks in part to the presence of founding and managing partner Michael Lavelle, who ‘brings a wealth of experience, legal knowledge and market savvy to any transaction or proceedings'. Insolvencies and liquidations are the firm’s particular forte, with it frequently representing many of Ireland’s top insolvency practitioners. Ciarán Leavy is praised for his 'great instincts and experience'.
Practice head(s):
Michael Lavelle
Other key lawyers:
Ciarán Leavy
Testimonials
‘Lavelle Partners’ insolvency and corporate restructuring team are keenly attuned to the movements in the Irish SME market. They provide tailored solutions for their clients and ensure that their clients’ interests, whether as creditor or debtor, are protected.’
‘Mick Lavelle is a senior player in the Irish legal sector, he has the right connections and put those to use for his clients. He brings a wealth of experience, legal knowledge and market savvy to any transaction or proceedings on which he advises.’
‘Ciarán Leavy is a rising star, has great instincts and experience. He identifies and deploys winning strategies from the outset of litigation and ensures his clients conclude any proceedings with the best possible outcome.’
‘Lavelle Partners provide a personalised and senior partner relationship approach.’
‘Michael Lavelle has extensive experience and provides practical advice that is relevant and full of common sense.’
Work highlights
LK Shields Solicitors LLP
LK Shields Solicitors LLP brings extensive insolvency expertise in the market, founded on deep dispute resolution expertise. Despite a relative shortage of insolvency engagements in the market, the firm continues to land a number of contentious receiverships, along with liquidations and examinerships. It continues to represent a number of insolvency practitioners on a regular basis, along with creditor and debtor clients. The firm also advises directors and other officeholders of distressed companies on insolvency risk, personal liability, corporate rescue options and directors’ duties. Jill Callanan leads the corporate insolvency and restructuring team, along with the litigation and dispute resolution group.
Practice head(s):
Jill Callanan
Key clients
Pentire Property Finance DAC and Pepper Group (Chargeholder over certain assets of Brian and Derek McGuinness)
Anne O’Dwyer, Kroll (in her capacity as receiver over certain assets of Brian and Derek McGuinness)
Declan Taite, Kroll (in his capacity as receiver over certain assets of Brian and Derek McGuinness
Neil Hughes, Baker Tilly (in his capacity as Examiner of Mosco Plastics (Ireland) Limited)
James Anderson and Tom Kavanagh of Deloitte (in their capacity as Receivers of Parolen Connection)
Peter Allen, Deloitte (in his capacity as Receiver over the assets of the Bridgestock connection)
Veon Limited, IFS Forestry Services Limited, Trevor McHugh, Paul Brosnan (former directors of the Irish Forestry Fund Companies)
Jim Luby (McStay Luby) (in his capacity as liquidator over Tambarlay Limited)
Garrett McCarthy, Hugh McCarthy & Associates (in his capacity as Liquidator of C&F Automotive (Ireland) Limited)
Work highlights
- Acted for Neil Hughes, Baker Tilly (in his capacity as Examiner of Mosco Plastics (Ireland) Limited) in the successful examinership of Mosco Plastics (Ireland).
- Acted for the secured lender (Pepper Group) and fixed-charge receivers (Anne O’Dwyer and Declan Taite, Kroll, appointed to certain assets of Bryan and Derek McGuinness in the Irish High Court proceedings issued by Bryan and Derek McGuinness against both the receiver and the chargeholder.
- Acted for Hugh McCarthy & Associates (Garret McCarthy) as the liquidator of C&F Automotive (Ireland) in proceedings before the Irish courts seeking recovery of a substantial debt from its German subsidiary.
Walkers
Walkers' team is now led by newly promoted partner William Greensmyth - praised by clients for his 'diligence, attention to detail, and commercial judgement' - after the departure of Gavin Smith in November 2021. The largely creditor and liquidator driven practice has an emphasis on cross-border engagements, often receiving referrals from UK and US law firms. The team regularly works in the aviation field, often working alongside aviation finance colleagues.
Practice head(s):
Will Greensmyth
Testimonials
‘Walkers has key strengths in the asset management sector, in tandem with a broad base legal offering.’
‘Walkers people are in a firm that is big enough to provide deep sectoral ability and small enough to care. Will Greensmyth brings deep insolvency and litigation knowledge and ability.’
‘The insolvency team in Walkers are highly regarded. They act in complex domestic and international insolvencies and are particularly known for the expertise in examinership. They have a strong international reputation, which they leverage to great effect. The team has a strong grasp not just of the law but of the financial and commercial considerations which are at play in an insolvency.’
‘William Greensmyth has an extensive knowledge and understanding of Irish insolvency law. He has acted in some of the most high-profile insolvencies in recent years and is respected for his diligence, attention to detail and commercial judgement. He is proactive and provides clear and concise advices to his clients. He really understands examinerships and provides sensible, pragmatic advice. He is completely reliable.’
Key clients
Eamonn Richardson, Ian Barrett KPMG
Financial Services Compensation Scheme
Hertz Global Holdings Inc.
Nord LB
Swissport Group Sarl
The Belfry UK Properties Group
Work highlights
- Advised Luke Charleton and Andrew Dolliver as joint receivers of certain assets of DP Aircraft Ireland.
- Advised Hertz Global Holdings, as Irish legal and tax counsel, on its successful restructuring of $19bn of debt and return of $1bn of value to shareholders.
- Acted for the liquidators over the Pamela Scott fashion retail group, involving 24 high end fashion stores throughout Ireland.