McCann FitzGerald LLP > Dublin, Ireland > Firm Profile

‘Excellent, dedicated team with vast experience and capability offering great value compared to London or NY rates.’

‘Hilary Marren for the depth of experience and calmness under the pressure of the largest transactions. Joe Fay for his technical expertise.’

‘I have worked with the team at McCann Fitzgerald for many years across many positions. McCann Fitzgerald are exceptional at what they do and I have had no problem in recommending this firm to anyone seeking to retain Irish counsel. ’

‘My point of contact at McCann Fitzgerald is Richard Gill. Richard is an extremely approachable person who handles his work in a professional manner and can meet our often short deadlines. ’

‘Domain knowledge, customer and transaction focused makes the McCann’s team unique in their ability to manage and close transactions. ’

‘Ability to manage and close the transaction efficiently. Efficient in producing and turning the documents, thorough understanding of the deal points and willingness to provide direction to the client, to make its happen. Also have to recognise their customer focus and willingness to be available.’

‘Laura in particular is very responsive, great communication, she is simply fantastic. The team led by Catherine Deane, Georgina O’Riordan, Laura Deignan and Ian Payne is technically excellent.’

‘Laura Deignan is a dedicated, commercial, pragmatic lawyer. She is thorough and sharp with a calming presence. She is an asset to every deal. Ian Payne knows his stuff and is all over every detail. One to watch.’

‘The Banking & Finance team at McCann Fitzgerald are an engaged and highly functioning team that prioritise client needs over anything else. Their desire to provide the best outcome for their clients is a key driving force of their successes. ’

‘The firm’s focus on putting clients needs first is driven from the individual partners and ethos of the firm. Niall McDowell has forged great relationships with both lenders and borrowers and can seamlessly work across both sides whilst still retaining integrity and professionalism. ’

‘Tom Dane and Philip Murphy are both excellent and well valued legal experts for our firm.’

‘Eamon de Valera is a knowledgeable and insightful lawyer who can cut to the core of an issue and using his vast experience, procure a solution. Aidan Gleeson is an excellent communicator who delivers exceptional service across complex transactions coordinating multiple parties.’

‘Judith Lawless is a highly impressive lawyer. Her knowledge of the subject matter is boundless and her response times are excellent.’

‘Josh Hogan (Partner) and his colleague James Fitzgerald (Senior Associate): Josh is exceptional in his knowledge of the Regulatory considerations for our business. He is always professional, prompt, and solution orientated in any matters we take to him in this area. James is a strong subject matter expert and again professional engaging and always available to take calls even on short notice. Very client focused.’

‘Niall McDowell is our primary contact in the banking team. Niall is vital to our business and is viewed by senior management as a valuable extension of our team. He has an incredible, instinctive knowledge of our business needs and the national and international banking markets and consistently delivers without fuss. A low key, consistent high achiever. Niall has exceptional emotional intelligence and uses his power with people to get deals across the line. This is the banking lawyer that you want on your side in any manner of banking transaction. ’

‘Aidan Gleeson is a stand out individual within MCF who is very hard working, diligent and has a very strong grasp of banking documentation. Aidan is particularly strong at cash flow lending having worked on a number of high profile transactions in recent years. Coupled with his hard work ethic, Aidan is generally light hearted and fun to work with.’

‘The team assisted us with a large, strategically important project and were a fantastic support throughout. The team were responsive, well-organised and competitive on pricing.’

‘Fergus Gillen was a brilliant support to us. He was proactive and pragmatic. His advice was always clear, concise and commercially focussed.’

‘The team is very client focussed and knows our business really well – they really know what is and is not important commercially for us. We really value the continuity of of people over many years.’

‘Adrian Farrell in particular stands out, he is extremely responsive, always provides top quality advice and it really helps us that is is well known and respected in the market.’

‘Judith Lawless is a highly impressive lawyer. Her knowledge of the subject matter is boundless and her response times are excellent.’

‘We consistently instruct Éamon Ó Cuiv of McCann Fitzgerald to advise on our debt finance transactions on account of his expertise, meticulous attention to detail, and his unwavering commitment to having a granular understanding not only of the transaction, but of the wider needs that we have as a client.’

‘Hugh Beattie – nothing fazes him and he has a complete appreciation of what is being asked of him. Fast turn-around on documentation too.’

‘Excellent knowledge of the sector and very responsive. Very good at laying out what is market standard and identifying where a position might be at risk.’

‘Excellent during negotiations at defining our position while outlining the position of the counterparty and moving the negotiations forward to our satisfaction.’

‘The firm has a solid corporate M&A practice.’

‘We work with Alan Fuller. Great to deal with.’

‘Complete service firm providing actionable, practical advice.’

‘A very strong team combining intellectual prowess with pragmatism.’

‘The team has an excellent level of professionalism and expertise, offering excellent customer service and discussing the options to best meet requirements.’

‘Orlaith Sheehy has extensive experience, is an excellent communicator, has a practical approach to mitigating/resolving issues and an excellent focus on customer service.’

‘What truly sets McCann FitzGerald apart is their unwavering dedication to clients. It is evident that they care deeply about the outcome of deals. They communicate clearly and provide clear analysis of the legal risks within a complex structure.’

‘Barrett Chapman has an impressive depth of knowledge and a keen understanding of the intricacies and nuances of deals. He takes time to analyse options and to ensure that clients have a clear understanding of potential choices.’

‘The team are leaders in their field. They are practical, commercial and great to deal with.’

‘Kevin Kelly is a highly respected lawyer in Dublin.’

‘Sean Carr is simply one of the most able construction contracts experts in the legal industry and together with his litigation knowledge he can provide the full service that leads into mediation/briefing of senior counsel in advance of court proceedings.’

‘A very well-established, resourced and respected team led by pre-eminent and highly experienced partners with extensive industry knowledge and outstanding technical ability. The practice is very strong across both contentious and non-contentious construction law and at the forefront of industry initiatives in Ireland.’

‘McCann FitzGerald has a very strong data privacy practice – in my view, the best in Ireland. All of the partners in the group are excellent practitioners in the area and have significant experience. In addition, the other members are also very well-versed and have benefited from high-quality training and from working with the more senior lawyers. We also have a very collaborative relationship with the firm, which has assisted us in providing dedicated resources to cover various types of gaps in our internal team.’

‘Paul Lavery is an exceptional data privacy lawyer, knowledgeable, approachable and pragmatic. He understands the needs of our business but also where we need to go to ensure compliance. He is top-notch and easy to work with. Another lawyer of a very high calibre is Catherine Walsh.’

‘The team is well-liked for its pragmatic approach. It listens to our instructions and what we want to achieve from the engagement, which it has always delivered.’

‘Adam Finlay is outstanding. He returns calls promptly, gives real-world, clear, succinct advice and is calm and pragmatic.’

‘Our experience with the team has been positive – they are responsive and collaborative and always ensure to be efficient in delivering the end product. Both partners and associates are excellent and ensure to respond to queries promptly.’

‘The partners and associates are MCF stand out for their responsiveness and agility to deal with the legal issues that arise. Paul Lavery is very effective in terms of delivering the legal product promptly. The team are also good at communicating with clients and ensuring that clients are kept up-to-date. The team have strong industry knowledge and can offer very practical advice.’

‘MF are unique because they take great care to understand your business and how they can add value in whatever discipline is required. They are innovative in so far as they invest in young companies in the hope that a deeper relationship will prevail at a later stage. They take a very collaborative approach in everything they do, valuing their customers greatly.’

‘I have to say that throughout my whole relationship with MF, I always felt like they had my back and had our interest at heart. Their people are a class act, equipped with the necessary skills to excel above the competition coupled with a wonderful easy going relationship management style designed to put their customers at ease. It’s hard to single out individuals but Rory and Catherine as partners are humble and sincere but more importantly steeped with integrity in everything they do. Their teams follow their lead, which makes the whole MF experience so easy. Many organisations could learn from their approach to looking after customers.

‘Michelle Doyle is pragmatic and solutions-focused. She understands service delivery and gets the job done quickly and efficiently. She is microscopic in her analysis and presents it in a user friendly manner. Ciara Ryan is an excellent technical lawyer and is comprehensive in her file knowledge. She is pragmatic and focused in addressing client needs.’

‘Helen Kilroy is someone you want on your side when there’s a fight at play. She has a unique ability to distill complex technical information and find a solution to a problem that no one has yet thought of. Catherine Derrig has an ability to find the crux of the problem, and turn it into a positive for the client.’

‘The MCF team are genuinely a pleasure to deal with, from my perspective as a barrister. They are universally smart, commercial in their outlook and never get too flustered.’

‘Beibhinn Bollard, recently appointed a partner, is smart, hard working and unflappable. Rosaleen Byrne is a top-class litigator who is a pleasure to deal with, while always protecting her client’s interests. Michael Coonan is smart and sensible. Helen Kilroy is the best mediator in the country.’

‘Bebhinn Bollard is a stand out partner, she combines exceptional ability with a calm demeanour and strategic focus. ’

‘Audrey Byrne stands out as an impressive litigator and investigator, able to simplify the most complex fact patterns to get to the heart of the problem. A pleasure to work with.’

‘David McCauley is very responsive and supportive in his approach to supporting us with all legal matters – he works to understand our business to ensure our approach is aligned to any custom & practice.’

‘The MCF team have good advice on employment issues. I have never felt that I am not getting solid advice on employment issues.’

‘Donal Hamilton is always available to be contacted when industrial relations matters arise, which is important in the cut and thrust of disputes. He is always confident in his advice.’

‘This is a strong employment team that has looked after the needs of many of our clients in the Republic of Ireland over many years.’

‘Mary Brassil and Stephen Holst are both very prompt, thorough and great with clients.’

‘There is a huge depth of knowledge within the practice and great ease of access to professionals within other specialisms to supplement the employment team.’

‘The people and office are excellent.’

‘The uniqueness of this legal practice’s service lies in the blend of expertise, personalised attention and a commitment to achieving the best outcomes for clients.’

‘I have worked with Rory O’Malley and Valerie Lawlor, and they have been at the forefront of an ever-changing market during this time. The team led by Rory and Valarie have evolved and adapted to changes in the energy market.’

‘Proven ability to execute with a problem-solving focus and attention to every detail’

‘Seamless integration of sector-specific energy knowledge with corporate know-how.’

‘Valerie Lawlor is a top energy practitioner with an acute perception of client needs.’

‘MCF are responsive and punctual in providing a legal opinion in an evolving legislative sphere.’

‘The MCF team is approachable and personable – providing a unique delivery of advice verbally, complimented by formal written opinion.’

‘This team is extremely professional, thorough and capable. In an area that does not lend itself to simple or straightforward advice, they will set out the analysis in very clear terms and set out their view.’

‘Laura Treacy is an outstanding lawyer. She can absorb complex fact structures and see straight through to the core legal issues. She also provides her advice with a very commercial slant.’

‘Senior associate Stephen Ryan is one of the best lawyers I have ever worked with. He is hardworking, conscientious, clever, easy to work with, and most importantly intellectually honest in every piece of advice and legal work that he does.’

‘Stephen Ryan speaks confidently and clearly in public events and lectures and was often sought out for speaking engagements. He has an excellent attitude about work and was always available to assist his colleagues on competition law questions. Stephen is one of the best lawyers that I have ever worked with and I give him the highest rating possible.’

‘McCann FitzGerald has a great competition practice and all of the associates and partners are very knowledgeable and trustworthy. There is very good attention to detail and they take the time to get to know what it is you need and provide sound advice.’

‘Beverley Williamson is a great addition to the team. She is very knowledgeable, easy to work with, and responsive to client needs.’

‘Stephen Ryan stands out. He is absolutely brilliant: ferociously intelligent, indefatigable, absolutely committed to a case, superb judgment and a joy to work with.’

‘McCanns’s lawyers are experts in Irish and EU competition law. They can seamlessly combine expertise across practice areas, such as energy and competition, which helps provide valuable and efficient advice to clients.’

‘Great collaboration with the disputes team and brilliant lawyers.’

‘Exceptional knowledge of the sector and quality advice.’

‘Douglas McMahon instinctively understands client’s needs and gets the job done with minimal fuss. He is an outstanding expert in his field and instils confidence with his no-nonsense approach.’

‘The team has a great understanding of the latest tech trends in the market- they are all spot-on and at the forefront of legal development.’

‘Paul Lavery and Catherine Walsh of McCann FitzGerald are exceptionally dedicated and knowledgeable – they offer the kind of insight and service that every client wishes they could achieve with external counsel.’

‘A very strong team that provides insightful, practical advice and lawyers with a lot of experience in the sector.’

‘I would highly recommend Paul Lavery in this area – he knows his way around this industry very well. Another superlative performer in this space is Catherine Walsh.’

‘Excellent availability for urgent matters. Ability to explain complex concepts. Good understanding of the market from the perspective of both the contracting authority and the supplier.’

‘Adam Finlay has the unique ability to communicate complex concepts to the full spectrum of client staff. Great market insights. Always offers options and strategies when negotiating on contract clauses. Advises taking account of the risk profile of the client organisation and specific project. Super availability, especially for urgent matters.’

‘Pragmatic, very commercial team which is responsive and has good industry knowledge.’

‘Doug McMahon is highly intelligent, commercial, pragmatic and responsive.’

‘McCanns are very responsive to client needs. Their advice is invariably spot on, delivered efficiently and within the cost estimate provided.’

‘Doug McMahon is extremely knowledgeable and delivers workable solutions to what can sometimes be very complicated matters. He is very approachable and talks to clients in a language they can understand.’

‘Excellent knowledge and experience combined with high quality drafting skills, which gives great comfort when applications are being made to the High Court. Responsiveness.’

‘Lisa Smyth adds a strategic and practical approach to her legal expertise in the area, which adds significant value to the client when it comes to problem solving and achieving particular outcomes.’

‘Broad range of capabilities with the breadth and depth of team to handle large, complex restructuring and insolvency matters.’

‘All very technically strong and robust in providing advice on complicated, complex restructuring and insolvency matters.’

‘The practice is extremely client-focused.’

‘Helen Kilroy is hard-working, knows her brief, is excellent at distilling the issues at hand and suggesting practical solutions. Helen is respected and heard at every level.’

‘McCann Fitzgerald’s insurance team are a high performing, extremely responsive and dynamic team. They have an ability to grasp technical issues easily and advise in an easily comprehensive manner the best approach for the client. It also assists that they cross-collaborate with other departments internally going beyond whats expected to ensure all avenues are covered. A pleasure to deal with.’

‘Helen Kilroy is someone you want on your side when there’s a fight at play. She has a unique ability to distill complex technical information and find a solution to a problem no one has yet thought of. Catherine Derrig has an ability to find the crux of the problem, and turn it into a positive for the client.’

‘The insurance practice in McCann Fitzgerald consistently demonstrates excellence in both knowledge of the laws and regulations, and the market in which our business operates. They regularly advise on complex structures and arrangements and are commercial in their approach. They are very pleasant to work with and always very approachable.’

‘Darragh Murphy is the partner usually engaged. He is extremely knowledgeable about financial services generally and, in particular, the legal and regulatory aspects of insurance law. He is very commercial and pragmatic in terms of commercial negotiations. Donnchadh O’Collatain is another senior associate that has been engaged and he, too, is very good.’

‘Sophistication in patents and industry sectors. They are team players and easy to work with as part of an international team.’

‘Iain Ferguson is an exceptional partner who has a depth of experience in the subject matter of investment funds and also benefits from the experience of having worked in-house.’

‘The firm is very well organised. We are billed on a monthly basis so there are no surprises. We are very happy with the quality of legal advice, the team has depth, and the firm offers other services where needed e.g. GDPR queries.’

‘Both Tony Spratt and Seán Mulvey are very knowledgeable and practical in their advice. There is oversight by the partner but the work is done at the appropriate experience level so we get an efficient service at the right price, but with quality oversight.’

‘Morgan Dunne is an excellent lawyer with strong technical skills married with strong commercial instincts.’

‘An excellent partner bench with depth and diversity of expertise that brings a reassuring element of calm to clients. They have specialist knowledge of the requirements of pension investors and ESG.’

‘Morgan Dunne is a fantastic partner who is on the cutting edge of challenging and emerging areas of funds law like ESG. He is responsive and thoughtful in his advice with a personable demeanour.’

‘The funds team is technically excellent, commercially minded, always deliver to deadlines and are friendly and approachable. They are a great team to work with.’

‘Hugh Beattie was instrumental in advising and finalising documentation in relation to credit facility arrangements for our organisation. Hugh remained calm throughout the difficult commercial and legal challenges.’

‘Industry knowledge is exceptional.’

‘An excellent team – extremely knowledgeable.’

‘Audrey Byrne is involved in the most high-profile defamation cases in Ireland and is incredible at thinking outside the box on complex issues. She defends companies all around the world which are sued in Ireland. She is an expert on her subject matter and has a fantastic team. I cannot recommend Audrey highly enough.’

‘I enjoy collaborating with the McCann FitzGerald team. I enjoy the personal touch that McCann brings to providing services and advice. The team understands the company and responds to our working style. I find the team very personable, and the level of expertise is very diverse while also being able to pivot into very niche issues and challenges.’

‘I enjoy working with Bébhinn Bollard and her team at McCann. I always find the interactions balanced, measured and thorough. I feel informed as to the progress of our work and requests, and I find the team responsive and engaging.’

‘The McCann team has deep sector expertise, particularly in the gambling and entertainment space. The team provided critical on-the-ground support for us, and a great deal of strategic and commercial value as a part of our engagement.’

‘Alan Heuston has deep experience in the gambling and entertainment industry and navigates the regulatory environment with confidence and authority.’

‘Audrey Byrne is excellent. She is always available to give advice directly herself. She is open to hearing the client’s point of view and takes into account the client’s business concerns when providing advice. Accordingly, her advice is always tailored to the business and is truly client-focused.’

‘Smart, capable and collegiate.’

‘Eleanor Cunningham is pragmatic, professional and pleasant to work with.’

‘A very strong pensions team. We particularly enjoy working with Catherine Austin. She is very knowledgeable, focused and provides excellent pragmatic advice on the law.’

‘ We particularly enjoy working with Catherine Austin. She is very knowledgeable, focused and provides excellent pragmatic advice on the law.’

‘The pensions team in McCann FitzGerald provides an excellent service.’

‘Catherine Austin’s in-depth knowledge of pensions enables her to continue to provide practical solutions to complex issues.’

‘First-rate pensions lawyers.’

‘Eleanor Cunningham – first-rate pension lawyer, providing excellent client service.’

‘Excellent project management, allocation of relevant resources, everything delivered promptly and excellent cross-functional approach.’

‘Orlaith Sheehy stands out for her ability to co-ordinate advice on various projects while staying focused and delivering on each to an excellent standard.’

‘I cannot speak highly enough of my experience with McCanns. The entire team demonstrated a high degree of professionalism and respect throughout our interaction.’

‘Brendan Slattery is excellent in his field. Michelle Doyle works tirelessly for her clients.’

‘The team are leaders in their field and are highly respected nationally and internationally.’

‘They offer expert, forward-thinking legal counsel at all times. They have a knowledge that spans a range of industry sectors. Your goals are their priority, and the most complex legal challenges are explained in layman’s terms.’

‘The team stand out for their knowledge and expertise in the area, and understanding of this particular area of law and ongoing judgments.’

‘A strong and dedicated team.’

‘Excellent understanding of public procurement law and advice on our obligations.’

‘Orlaith Sheehy is an expert in her industry. She has excellent communication skills and the ability to manage a number of projects with different demanding stakeholders and the challenges faced when these projects cross over – always ensuring the expectations of all are managed. Consistent and precise in her advice.’

‘Expert advisors.’

‘Expertise over a wide-range of areas. Very good response times and a proactive, collaborative approach.’

‘McCanns have fostered (and earned) a deep relationship with us at an organisational and personal level through the provision of high-quality legal advice.’

‘Deep knowledge of our organisation, its statutory role and functions and the environment it works within.’

‘I would highly recommend McCann Fitzgerald for any legal advice needed. They offer a high-quality, professional and efficient service.’

‘Each of the solicitors I worked with at McCanns was excellent. They have extensive experience with a keen eye for detail. Orlaith Sheehy deserves particular mention for her outstanding and prompt service.’

‘A trustworthy, hardworking and knowledgeable team with excellent communication skills and clarity of thinking. There is a great depth to their team.’

‘Donal O’Raghallaigh demonstrates professionalism, expertise, and a genuine commitment to helping clients navigate complex deals.’ 

‘Emily Mac Nicholas’ significant experience in all things real estate law, tied in with her sound commercial acumen, make her a great partner to have on both complicated transactions which require significant input from both parties and less complicated leasing transactions where she uses prior experience to make the process smooth and simplistic without compromising on quality of outcome.’

‘Shane Sweeney is an excellent communicator and strategic legal advisor on the real estate side.’

‘The knowledge and expertise of McCann FitzGerald is market leading. They all have a can-do attitude no matter what hurdles are faced. There is nothing that phases them and they do it all with a positive attitude and stellar legal knowledge.’

‘Richard Leonard goes above and beyond for every transaction to ensure the best possible result for the client. He always makes himself available no matter what the issue.’

‘A superb team, joined up across disciplines.’

‘Ruairí Stewart is solution oriented, extremely capable and a joy to work with.’

‘The McCanns team are highly proactive and familiar with our sector. We have developed a very close working relationship, ensuring that everyone is comfortable expressing strongly held views on particular cases. Rosaleen Byrne and her team provide exceptional service to the extent that they often feel like an extension of our team. The team are always at hand to contribute advice whenever needed. They have made their technology available to us whenever needed. I cannot recommend them highly enough.’

‘All of the McCanns team are very personable and approachable. Rosaleen Byrne makes herself available, down to earth, approachable, and willing to listen carefully to contributions from everyone, including junior personnel, and will always make a point of seeking the view of everyone. The value of her litigation experience and expertise, the depth of her knowledge, and her ability to consider the broader picture of her client is immeasurable.’

‘Gregory Benson is relentless in ensuring that the lawyers are fully familiar with the complex technical terminology, nuances, and jargon used within our particular industry and ensuring that our position is expressed clearly and accurately. His attention to detail and planning in our cases has ensured that we are ready to react quickly when necessary. Amy Brick brings a thoughtful, balanced, and measured approach to our litigation cases.’

‘Expert advisors in the telecoms sector, a female-led diverse team. Commercial and strategic.’

‘Stand out partners: Catherine Derrig, Rosaleen Byrne and Amy Brick.’

‘Catherine Derrig is an exceptional leader in the telecoms litigation arena in Ireland. She has been involved in the leading cases in this arena and is a true expert. She stands out because she has experience, expertise, professionalism, efficiency and passion for her work.’

‘I find McCann FitzGerald’s knowledge of the industry to be of a high level. They give clients confidence in the advice they give.’

‘Laura Deignan in particular is very responsive and has great communication skills – she is simply fantastic.’

‘The team led by Catherine Deane, Georgina O’Riordan, Laura Deignan and Ian Payne is technically excellent.’

‘Exceptionally responsive, considerate, flexible and involved in any matter they are engaged on.’

‘The individuals at this firm provide an exceptionally tailored service depending on the specific matter or challenges or individuals involved without having any compromise on service or results.’

‘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.’

‘They have strength in depth – very efficient and responsive – most importantly practical and solution driven.’

‘I consider Eleanor MacDonagh to be the best tax practitioner I have come across – she knows the law, but is practical and solution driven.’

‘Tax and corporate departments working seamlessly together to provide holistic advice and support. A genuine interest in understanding the workings of the client’s business.’

‘Alan Heuston – very personable and responsive. Deep knowledge of his practice area. Close working relationship with other departments was very evident.’

‘Eleanor MacDonagh at McCann FitzGerald is a very strong tax expert with a deep knowledge of Irish taxation.’

‘Eleanor MacDonagh is very responsive and provides great advice.’