Firms To Watch: White-collar crime

Louise Byrne Legal was launched in September 2023 by name partner Louise Byrne; she has longstanding experience handling criminal investigations, along with fraud and corruption matters.

Firms in the Spotlight White-collar crime

Anne O'Connell Solicitors

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Anne O’Connell Solicitors (AOC Solicitors) is a leading and award-winning Irish specialist Employment Law firm which was established in 2017 by our Principal, Anne O’Connell.

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White-collar crime in Ireland

A&L Goodbody LLP

A&L Goodbody LLP’s white-collar criminal law team includes specialist criminal and regulatory lawyers who assist clients with both internal and external investigations, with particular expertise in handling situations involving criminal wrongdoing, regulatory breaches, and criminal trials. Kenan Furlong has longstanding experience of handling money laundering and bribery matters and jointly heads the practice with Joe Kelly, who specialises in local and international regulatory investigations. Ciarán O’Conluain has built a strong reputation for supporting clients in interactions with regulatory authorities and Katie O’Connor manages civil litigation for clients within the financial services, construction, and pharmaceutical sectors. Other key members of the team include Mark Devane, Louise Byrne and Nicholas Cole.

Practice head(s):

Kenan Furlong; Joe Kelly


Other key lawyers:

Ciarán O’Conluain; Katie O’Connor; Mairead O’Brien; Dario Dagostino; Mark Devane; Louise Byrne; Nicholas Cole


Testimonials

‘Partner led but still with strength and depth across the team with non-legal support services to make a seamless solution for a complex market abuse investigation.’

‘Dario Dagostino is an impressive operator and conducted interviews calmly and intelligently. Katie O’Connor was on top of the details.’

‘The team have a great knowledge of our business and know our priorities and adapt their advice based on this.’

‘Katie O’Connor, Joe Kelly and Mairead O’Brien are responsive, commercial and pragmatic. They get what we do, which makes it easier for us to do business and help build better relationships with relevant agencies.’

‘Simply put, the A&L white-collar crime team is excellent – they think quickly and provide thought through and wise legal and strategic advice in highly complex situations.’

‘Katie O’Connor is an extremely thorough and thoughtful lawyer. She is a great strategist, an excellent problem solver, and invested in the success of her clients.’

‘Practical and pragmatic advice. Balances the need to protect the client’s interests with an ability to move the project forward. Coverage of detail over time is impressive.’

‘Joe Kelly is available, strong, and consistent in his advice. Mairead O’Brien is robust and can retain and share enormous quantities of detailed information, which is valuable.’

Key clients

Leslie Buckley


Volkswagen Group AG and Volkswagen Group Ireland


Work highlights


  • Advised the Volkswagen Group on the Irish regulatory investigations involving the NOx issue.
  • Advised former Chairman of INM PLC on high-profile allegations regarding his work for INM.

Arthur Cox

Arthur Cox’s corporate crime team has built a strong reputation for representing clients in all phases of regulatory and criminal enforcement procedures, spanning from investigation to prosecution. The team has a sizable client base featuring a diverse set of domestic and international entities, including regulatory authorities, governmental agencies, private individuals, and financial institutions. Joanelle O'Cleirigh has extensive experience of handling whistleblowing and anti-bribery matters and jointly heads the team with Richard Willis, who specialises in cross-border data governance processes. Deirdre O’Mahony regularly defends organisations and senior individuals in criminal investigations. Senior associates Ciarán Egan and Tara Roche are also noted.

Practice head(s):

Joanelle O’Cleirigh; Richard Willis


Other key lawyers:

Tara Roche; Deirdre O’Mahony; Ciarán Egan


Testimonials

‘Easy to work with, personable, highly responsive.’

‘Richard Willis – really responsive, always available and gives smart advice.’

‘Very strong team; good breadth of experience. Excellent client focus.’

‘This team seems to be most acquainted with white-collar crime in the Irish market.’

‘Joanelle O’Cleirigh and Tara Roche are on top of their game on white-collar crime and regulation. They have a good practical understanding of the potential problems and issues that can arise.’

‘Expert advice in a highly specialized field.’

‘Clear advice and a way forward, good experience.’

‘Very experienced and expert team.’

Key clients

Yuzhu Kang (Kang Family Worldwide Group)


Deloitte Ireland LLP


R.E. Administration (In Liquidation) Limited


Hears Technology Limited


Work highlights


  • Represented Yuzhu Kang in multi-party commercial court proceedings claiming fraudulent misappropriation.
  • Represented John Bishop and Hears Technology in commercial court proceedings against a former director and shareholder alleging fraudulent overcharging
  • Represented the successful bidders in the Siteserv transaction in relation to the IBRC Commission of Investigation.

Mason Hayes & Curran LLP

The investigations and white-collar crime team at Mason Hayes & Curran LLP is sought after by a range of clients, with particular strength in the technology sector, where it assists IT corporates with regulatory investigations and those conducted by the Data Protection Commission. The practice is led by Liam Guidera, who handles a variety of fraud and corporate misconduct matters and investigations. Peter Johnston and Colin Monaghan work with domestic and international clients on contentious regulatory matters. Conor O’Leary is well-known for handling fraud-related affairs for clients from the financial services sector, and Shane Reynolds has built a strong reputation for representing local councils and state bodies in regulatory proceedings before all levels of Irish courts.

Practice head(s):

Liam Guidera


Other key lawyers:

Shane Reynolds; Conor O’Leary; Peter Johnston; Colin Monaghan


Testimonials

‘The team’s key strength is the ability to distil complex legal issues into comprehendible advice.’

‘Shane Reynolds stands out. He has vast experience as a criminal practitioner and provides insightful advice to clients with great clarity and empathy in complex legal cases.’

‘The Mason Hayes & Curran LLP is highly experienced in Ireland. They have a very sophisticated level of understanding of the Irish and EU regulatory framework for industry and strong insight into trends in white-collar crime, anti-money laundering, and regulatory offences. The team is very responsive to client needs, well-resourced and highly efficient in delivering quality legal services.’

‘I have worked with several partners in Mason Hayes & Curran LLP, including most recently Liam Guidera. He is very personable, client-focused, and cares about customer outcomes. He is committed to delivering high-quality legal services which respond to client needs. He is a highly efficient manager of complex litigation projects and works very effectively within litigation teams to maintain excellent working dynamics.’

‘The MHC team is peerless in its expertise. It leaves no stone unturned in providing a blue-chip service to its clients. Its people are thorough, methodical, reliable and diligent. But above all, the MHC team radiates talent.’

‘Liam Guidera is an expert tactician. He is exceptionally calm in the face of adversity and always measured and reassuring in a crisis. He is one of the most highly respected litigators in the Irish market who has spent his career acting for many of the biggest names in the jurisdiction. Conor O’Leary is renowned for his mastery of detail and commitment to his clients. He gets on top of complicated problems quickly and expertly navigates the most challenging of situations. A rising star.’

‘Partner-led approach providing expertise, responsiveness and a thoroughly pragmatic approach throughout.’

‘Pragmatism, proactive, deep knowledge and understanding and timely response.’

Key clients

Banque National de Paris Paribas


Meta


Portakabin UK Ltd.


Impedans


International Transport Workers’ Federation


Central Bank of Ireland


Allied Irish Banks plc


Bank of Ireland


Health Service Executive


Gas Networks Ireland


Kilkenny County Council


Commission for Regulation of Utilities


Child and Family Agency (TUSLA)


UBIL (a division of NatWest)


Waterford City and Waterford County Councils


Work highlights


  • Represented Meta in multiple complex landmark DPC investigations and Irish and General Court of the European Union proceedings.
  • Represented a number of witnesses, including the Irish Prime Minister (Taoiseach), in the Siteserv Commission of Investigation established in June 2015.
  • Represented the International Transport Workers’ Federation in allegations of human trafficking in the Irish fishing industry.

McCann FitzGerald LLP

McCann FitzGerald LLP’s white-collar crime team acts for regulators and regulated entities in complex regulatory and business crime-related investigations and disputes. One key area of strength for the team is its expertise in fraud and asset tracing affairs leading to a steady stream of instructions to handle cross-border criminal and fraudulent disputes. Audrey Byrne specialises in international litigation and investigations and jointly heads the team with Megan Hooper, who has extensive expertise advising financial institutions on both regulatory and criminal investigations. Experienced litigator Catherine Derrig has been involved in a number of corporate fraud investigations of late, while Donal Hamilton focuses on contentious issues and investigations involving employees and whistleblowing. Michael Coonan, Rosaleen Byrne and Bébhinn Bollard are other key contacts.

Practice head(s):

Megan Hooper; Audrey Byrne


Other key lawyers:

Donal Hamilton; Michael Coonan; Rosaleen Byrne; Bébhinn Bollard


Testimonials

‘They have a sophisticated sanctions advisory and litigation practice, with insightful views on the regulators’ thought processes.’

‘We work with Audrey Byrne mainly. She has deep knowledge, a keen eye for detail, and excellent client handling skills whilst also being fun to work with.’

Key clients

Raidió Teilifís Éireann


Mediahuis Ireland Group Limited


Trafalgar Trafhold Limited, Instantania Holdings Limited, Kamara Limited and Bairiki Incorporated


Work highlights


  • Advised Mediahuis Ireland Group Limited on a number of regulatory challenges, including an ODCE investigation.
  • Assisted Raidió Teilifís Éireann with the preparation of a report on certain voluntary severance schemes operated by the national broadcaster.
  • Advised a group of companies, including Trafalgar Trafold Limited, on cross-border proceedings for damages and injunctive relief.

William Fry LLP

William Fry LLP’s white-collar crime practice handles high-profile cases and investigations for clients including public sector bodies, multinational companies, and high-net-worth individuals. The team regularly acts for clients in proceedings before the Irish High Court and advises on money laundering, bribery, and corruption matters. Laura Murdock has significant experience of handling complex multi-jurisdictional commercial disputes involving financial crime and jointly heads the team with Paul Convery, who specialises in shareholder disputes and reputation management issues. Deirdre O’Donovan’s practice often involves advising clients on investigations arising from allegations of corporate wrongdoing and significant data breaches. Other key contacts include Adele Hall, Joanne Ryan, and litigator Garrett Breen.

Practice head(s):

Laura Murdock; Paul Convery


Other key lawyers:

Deirdre O’Donovan; Adele Hall; Joanne Ryan; Garrett Breen


Key clients

Havila Kystruten


Swan Hellenic Cruises Limited


Maybourne Hotels Group/Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani


Avonburg Finance Limited


Pola Logistics Limited


Work highlights


  • Represented a number of parties in asset recovery proceedings, where the ultimate owner of the asset is a sanctioned entity.
  • Represented various parties in proceedings alleging corporate raiding and conspiracy to defraud.
  • Represented parties who are the focus of an investigation by Inspectors appointed by the High Court in an allegation of a significant data breach at the group.

ByrneWallace LLP

The white-collar crime team at ByrneWallace LLP is extremely proficient in assuming the roles of both prosecutor and defence in high-profile criminal investigations, with specific expertise in cybercrime and fraud cases. Jon Legorburu has extensive experience of handling investigations and litigation matters for clients from the financial services, healthcare, and insurance sectors and jointly heads the team with Seán O’Donnell, who specialises in contentious regulatory matters. Mark O’Shaughnessy is a key name for regulatory investigations and disputes and acts for domestic and international companies, and Eimear Redmond often advises public bodies on statutory interpretation and EU law obligations. Robert McDermott and Ben Grogan are also noted.

Practice head(s):

Jon Legorburu; Seán O’Donnell


Other key lawyers:

Mark O’Shaughnessy; Eimear Redmond; Robert McDermott; Ben Grogan


Testimonials

‘They had excellent domain expertise for an issue they advised us on. Their service was extremely quick and detailed. Their advice helped us resolve a dispute promptly.’

Eversheds Sutherland

Eversheds Sutherland handles advisory work in the field of anti-bribery, assisting clients with developing procedures, controls, and audits to minimise the risk of bribery and corruption. The team also advises on regulatory investigations and risk management situations. The practice is led by Eoin Mac Aodha, who regularly advises public sector bodies on regulatory functions. Pamela O’Neill is a key name for handling complex regulatory disputes and investigations in the financial services sector, and Ciara Geraghty is experienced in representing clients in judicial reviews and enforcement proceedings. Other key contacts include Norman Fitzgerald, Stephen Barry and Graham Kenny.

Practice head(s):

Eoin Mac Aodha


Other key lawyers:

Pamela O’Neill; Ciara Geraghty; Norman Fitzgerald; Stephen Barry; Graham Kenny


Testimonials

‘An excellent team. They have and maintain very good technical and subject-matter specific knowledge.’

‘They are well-resourced and understand how to apply their skills to the benefit of the client. They are practical in delivering advice which covers strategic options. Tactical decisions are made at appropriate times and with informed input from the client.’

‘They understand the need for the best response possible to be identified and implemented in a crisis situation.’

‘Stephen Barry is dynamic, practical and insightful.’

‘Stephen Barry inspires trust in his clients because of his obvious expertise and extensive experience in the area. He is excellent at projecting forwards from the point of crisis to identify what the likely best attainable outcomes are, and also at mapping the pathway for the client to achieve these. He is an excellent man to have on this scene immediately the potentially adverse event happens and is very adept at interacting with regulatory/investigating authorities in a way which fully protects the client and represents their best interests but preserves relationships to the future benefit of the client in a given case or in future cases.’

‘Eoin Mac Aodha is an excellent solicitor. Clients rightly have complete faith in his attention to detail in their cases and in his knowledge of the area. His advice is consistently to an excellent quality. He is practical and his communication is excellent. He is also an experienced and skilful commercial litigator and therefore well positioned to ensure that any interaction between regulatory/criminal matters and commercial litigation or other interests is correctly handled to the client’s best advantage.’

Key clients

Commission for Communications Regulation


Ernst & Young


Residential Tenancies Board


Kingspan Group plc


National Standards Authority of Ireland


Swissport


Work highlights


  • Represented Persona, and Sigma, in a claim arising from alleged interference and corruption on the part of a then Government Minister and leading businessman in the competition for the grant of the second mobile phone licence in 1995.
  • Advised ComReg on investigations and prosecutions which resulted in 102 criminal summonses against Pure Telecom and Roctel Telecom.
  • Represented EY in defending Commercial Court proceedings brought by IBRC against EY.

Matheson LLP

Matheson LLP’s regulatory investigations and corporate crime team handles prevention, detection, reporting and risk management of white-collar crimes. Practice head Karen Reynolds has longstanding experience advising financial institutions on a wide range of regulatory issues, including insider dealing, anti-bribery and corruption, fraud, and cyber security breaches. Nicola Dunleavy SC and Deirdre Crowley regularly assist clients with internal corporate investigations and investigations brought by external regulators. Senior associates Deirdre Crowley and Connor Cassidy are also noted.

Practice head(s):

Karen Reynolds


Other key lawyers:

Nicola Dunleavy SC; Deirdre Crowley; Deirdre Crowley; Connor Cassidy


Testimonials

‘The team are second to none when it comes to guiding clients through the complexities of regulatory and criminal investigations, avoiding all the landmines and delivering clear and comprehensive advices at all stages.’

‘Karen Reynolds is very impressive. She is extremely knowledgeable, astute and an excellent communicator who builds close relationships with her clients and provides sensible and pragmatic advice in a crystal clear manner.’

‘Nicola Dunleavy has exceptional ability, diligence and integrity.’

‘Connor Cassidy stands out.’

Key clients

Centric Health


Iveco Group N.V., CNH Industrial N.V. and Stellantis N.V


Breccia Unlimited Company and Blackrock Hospital Limited


Irish Precision Optics


Irving Oil / Top Oil


Ticketmaster


Volkswagen Group Ireland Limited and Volkswagen Financial Services Ireland Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Centric Health on an inquiry commenced by the Irish Data Protection Commission following a cyber-attack.
  • Advised Iveco Group on the defence of a significant number of High Court Irish claims.
  • Advised Irving Oil / Top Oil on a fuel price investigation by the Irish competition regulator in the context of significant price increases arising from the Ukraine conflict.

Beauchamps LLP

The white-collar crime and crisis management team at Beauchamps LLP is proficient in handling regulatory and criminal investigations for clients including financial institutions, charities, public sector entities, and regulatory bodies. Thomas O’Dwyer heads the practice and is experienced in providing reputation and crisis management-related advice to clients facing criminal allegations. Other key members include experienced litigators Sharon Delaney, Edward Lyons and Séan Canniffe.

Practice head(s):

Thomas O’Dwyer


Other key lawyers:

Sharon Delaney; Edward Lyons; Séan Canniffe


Testimonials

‘We have worked closely with Beauchamps LLP for several years, and they are always ready to meet our demands and have a unique ability to be aware of the environment in which we operate and the challenges we face.’

‘Thomas O’Dwyer is impressive. He is our go-to advisor for white-collar crime. Thomas has an amazing ability to understand the business environment in which we operate, that leaves us with the confidence that we are working with the best in the market.’

Work highlights


  • Represented Ulster Bank DAC in proceedings involving a forged signature on a customer’s cheque.