The Legal 500

Within Corporate and M&A, Tughans is a first tier firm,

‘Quality firm’ Tughans recently advised the shareholders of London-based Newfield Technology Limited on its disposal to US-based Xerox. Recommended individuals include practice head John-George Willis, managing partner Ian Coulter, Vicky Dummigan and James Donnelly.

Within Dispute resolution , Tughans is a first tier firm,

Tughans’ expansive litigation department is split into three teams. Kathy McGillie heads the renowned insurance litigation team, which mainly advises defendant insurers but also acts for other defence-side companies. Michael McCord heads the commercial litigation side, which is representing Northern Ireland Housing Association in a dispute with Lincoln Centre Belfast, and is also representing Irish Bank Resolution Corporation in litigation arising from the Quinn Group insolvency. The professional regulatory arm is headed up by Andrew Anthony, and also advises on malpractice and clinical crime claims. Toby McMurray and recently promoted director Barbara Creed are also recommended.

Within Banking and finance, Tughans is a second tier firm,

Team head Fearghal O’Loan and Deborah Archer are recommended at Tughans. Archer is leading advice to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment on a range of matters relating to the administration of Presbyterian Mutual Society, involving a total rescue fund of £225m.

Within Insolvency, Tughans is a second tier firm,

Tughans acts in contentious and non-contentious insolvency matters. It advised Irish Bank Resolution Corporation in successfully challenging the bankruptcy order made against Seán Quinn in Northern Ireland on the basis that the Republic of Ireland had proper jurisdiction, and obtained freezing orders against Demense Investments Limited in Ukraine, Belize, and the BVI to preserve Quinn Group assets. Practice head Toby McMurray is recommended.

Within Employment, Tughans is a first tier firm,

The highly regarded practice at Tughans advises large-scale employers across the gamut of contentious and non-contentious matters. Anna Beggan and Ciara Fulton are recommended.

Within Regional review, Tughans is a first tier firm,

Resonating across many practice areas covered in this chapter is the sinking of Seán Quinn, the former richest man in Northern Ireland, who has entered into voluntary bankruptcy with the Quinn Group of companies entering into a CVA and being restructured. Seán Quinn is represented by Napier and Sons, while other law firms involved include Tughans, which has been representing Irish Bank Resolution Corporation in related litigation; A&L Goodbody Northern Ireland, which drafted the CVA for Quinn Group and is representing it in various other matters; Arthur Cox, which is acting for Barclays Bank as agent for a syndicate of banks in connection with the Quinn Group restructuring; Cleaver Fulton Rankin, which is advising Invest NI in relation to the administration of Quinn Insurance Limited; and Carson McDowell, which is acting for the administrator of Quinn Insurance Limited in relation to the separation and sale of the Slieve Rushen wind farm.

Within Personal tax, trusts and probate, Tughans is a first tier firm,

Tughans advises on a breadth of trusts, estates, and probate matters, including inheritance tax and matters involving the Office of Care and Protection. It recently advised in relation to a multimillion-pound estate where the deceased’s body had not been recovered. Brid McColgan heads the team.

Within Project finance and PFI, Tughans is a third tier firm,

Tughans is advising Granville Ecopark Limited on funding an anaerobic digestion plant, and RBS on the financing of the acquisition of Slieve Devina wind farm by Infinis plc. John-George Willis heads the projects team and is recommended, as is energy lawyer Andrew Ryan.

Within Commercial property, Tughans is a first tier firm,

Tughans has a ‘smashing’ practice, advising on development, finance, asset management, and distressed property matters. It is advising Tesco Stores Limited on the sale of commercial mortgage backed securities supported by rental income, and on the acquisition and development of a retail park. Other clients include Deloitte, KPMG, and PBN Holdings. Practice head Phyllis Agnew, Tracey Schofield, and John Mills are recommended.

Within Construction, Tughans is a second tier firm,

Tughans provides an ‘excellent, client-centred service’. It recently advised Lagan Construction Group on a build contract for the demolition and construction of a five-star hotel in Sierra Leone, and Ilex URC on the redevelopment of the parade ground at Ebrington. It is also representing the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in 30 related contractual proceedings. Michael McCord is noted for his ‘practical approach to complex legal issues’.

Within Environment and planning, Tughans is a second tier firm,

Tughans handles contentious and non-contentious matters, and is advising Ilex Urban Regeneration Company on environmental and planning issues relating to developments at Fort George and Ebrington, and Veridis Energy on its planning application for a major waste energy facility. Andrew Ryan is recommended.

Within Intellectual property, Tughans is a first tier firm,

Tughans is advising Sliderobes Group on the ongoing protection and management of its trade mark portfolio, including handling multiple trade mark infringement claims. It is also advising Aston Martin on the worldwide licensing of its brand for use with golf equipment and accessories. New client wins include Diageo, Translink, and Invest NI. Adrian O’Connell is recommended.

Within IT and telecoms, Tughans is a first tier firm,

The well-regarded Adrian O’Connell heads Tughans’ team. It advised Intelesens Limited on technology ownership, a strategic supplier alliance agreement to form a new licence, and a supply and distribution agreement in relation to an investment by a US-based company. It also advised Automated Intelligence Limited on a service agreement relating to software development and licensing with Fujitsu; and is advising Export Technologies on the renewal of a platform licence.