The Legal 500 > Europe, Middle East & Africa > Ireland > Construction

‘Excellent response times.’

‘Kevin Feeney is outstanding.’

‘A top law firm that knows the market well. Advice is strong and well considered.’

‘Mairead Sherlock and Eamonn Gill are excellent and professional, and always call you back. They are both a safe pair of hands and you know you will end up with good advice and well-drafted documents. Where you depart from a market position, they advise on this so that any risks are managed well and we are informed as a client.’

‘Access to the key staff is essential and valued with A&L. A&L have a reputation that adds strength to our position and case in a lot of construction disputes.’

‘A&L Goodbody team provides a personal and prompt service with sound advice based on reasoned rationale.’

‘The team in A&L are very commercial to deal with and are technically excellent. The property and construction teams have great communication skills during a project. ’

‘I would consider Kevin Feeney to be one of the leading solicitors in his particular field. He and his team have managed numerous complicated transactions that we have been involved with to a successful conclusion. ’

‘The team in Arthur Cox have in-depth knowledge of the construction sector, market positions and an ability to think around issues and provide solution-focused advice.’

‘Karen Killoran leads the construction team. Karen is highly commercial and understands all aspects of construction. Given Karen’s experience she has helped us identify potential issues early, saving us time and money. In dealing with the issues Karen demonstrated a practical and commercial approach which has been invaluable to our firm. I would highly recommend Karen.’

‘Arthur Cox has a full service team with expertise in every area we needed to get our new enterprise up and running in Ireland.’

‘Karen Killoran, Claudia O’Sullivan and Niahm McGovern have been excellent.’

‘Arthur Cox provides excellent support to our construction organisation and have content experts in many areas affiliated to construction, enabling Arthur Cox to provide comprehensive legal support to our business.’

‘The team has worked together and provided us with the right advice on the case that we have sought. Their understanding and knowledge on the industry and the law are deep and exceptional, which helped make our case successful. Under my view, Arthur Cox is one of the top law advisors in the construction industry.’

‘The individuals at Arthur Cox that I have worked with are really professional. They have deep knowledge in law and technical ability which make their advice on our case successful.’

‘We worked with Kevin Harnett and senior associate Niamh Mulherin. Kevin presents a high degree of competency which in the litigation context is very reassuring. I feel he is a safe pair of hands who is happy to take on board ideas and comments from others and thinks very well on his feet. He is very ably assisted by Niamh Mulherin who is very much on top of the detail and also comes across as very competent. ’

‘The Maples team has not just one or two construction legal experts but several. This results in a team that is in a position to learn from each other and provide best practice advice.’

‘Kevin Hartnett is precise, clear and unequivocal with his advice. He has a brilliant turn of phrase. He is always on the end of the phone when I call.’

‘We consult Maples for advice on a range of issues pertaining to our consultancy work. Our primary engagements with them is in civil engineering construction on a variety of contracts (small, medium and large scale) covering conditions of contract, terms of engagement and contract administration, including dispute resolution procedures. Their overall level of service is excellent. The advice is always to the point, demonstrating a thorough knowledge and understanding of the matter referred. Their responses are timely on the queries raised. ’

‘We would list Mary Dunne in particular as exemplary in reflecting all of the above qualities in our consultations with her. Mary is extremely knowledgeable and approachable on all construction related matters. Her advice is clear and to the point and is always available when needed. Mary is a person we highly value having on our side.’

‘Very diligent, extensive experience, and strong commercial acumen.’

‘Mary Dunne is exceptional. Her attention to detail combined with her market knowledge makes for both strong commercial and legal outcomes in both our DD and documentation. ’

‘The practice has a unique knowledge of the renewables construction sector in Ireland and understands the planning environment which is exacting and open to challenges at every turn. The team has an ability to take a pragmatic view on aspects of project acquisition and the financing process and understands the requirements of all parties. MHC’s counsel has proved invaluable on many occasions.’

‘The team is very approachable, knowledgeable, organised and responds to queries in a clear and timely fashion. ‘

‘A large team with expertise across all areas of construction and the capacity to deliver on time every time.’

‘Eoin Cassidy is very good at setting the strategy for his team and legal requirements for a project. Always available and able to steer discussions in the right direction.’

‘Rory Kirrane is a great speaker, hugely knowledgeable, approachable, organised, punctual. An expert in all things related to construction law, contract law/administration, dispute resolution, procurement, etc.’

‘Rory Kirrane is an outstanding litigator with expertise in dealing with large, high value and technically complex construction disputes.’

‘The service levels (including technology etc) are better than any other law firm I have used. Their billing is simple and easy to follow. ‘

‘They have strong industry knowledge of PPPs and public procurement and breadth of experience from having worked with and advised directly both public and private sector clients.’

‘Matheson provides our firm with prompt, professional and considered advice to ensure the continued delivery of our projects. They make time for calls and queries and return calls promptly if they are required.’

‘Rhona Henry has been a great support to us throughout the life of the project. She provides support to her team where necessary to deliver results while taking a lead role where required.’

‘I would consider Matheson’s construction team to be a market leader for support with construction projects in Ireland. They have assisted me with a range of matters from large-scale construction projects to smaller more routine enquiries. Throughout I have found them to be responsive, comprehensive and pragmatic. Availability has never been an issue and the team are a pleasure to work with.’

‘Rhona Henry very ably manages the construction team and ensures a consistent level of excellence in their work output. She is knowledgeable and experienced as well as approachable and personable.’

‘Kimberley Masuda is highly capable, has excellent commercial awareness and is responsive and helpful at all times. ’

‘Kimberley Masuda’s background as a qualified architect gives her an edge over other solicitors in this area. ’

‘An excellent team in terms of knowledge, communications and efficiency. The construction team are all very friendly and pleasant to deal with which really makes a difference.’

‘The members of the construction team that we deal with (Jamie McGee, Barrett Chapman, Stephen Proctor, Kevin Kelly) are on top of their game in terms of knowledge and expertise. In addition to all that, they are individually really nice people to work with. Construction can be a very complex part of property transactions and so we really appreciate the time they take with us to explain issues, thinking from a commercial perspective and suggesting possible solutions/compromises.’

‘A very experienced and capable team that understands the complexity of the challenges faced in large-scale projects. They listen well to the client and understand all the issues. They clearly communicate their recommendations and opinions.’

‘They are all strong individuals with key strengths, but what’s really important is how they work together for the client. Strong teamwork with complementary skills.’

‘The construction department has enduring strength and depth, built up over decades. They field a stellar team of seasoned professionals who have a profound grasp of how the industry works in Ireland. They excel both on the contentious construction side and in providing technically superb advice on an integrated basis with other areas of the firm. They are the Rolls Royce of construction law departments in Ireland. ’

‘Barrett Chapman is a consummate professional – hugely competent, responsive, intelligent, a tough and resilient negotiator whose conduct never falls below the highest professional and ethical standards. Stephen Proctor and Kevin Kelly are top class advisers on complex contracts and procurement issues. ’

‘Top class advice on preparation of contracts, ensuring that the client’s best interests are looked after. They have the ability to bring in specialist advisors from other parts of the practice to give the best advice.’

‘Working with Stephen Proctor is a very good experience as he listens to your requests and ensures that any problem or potential problem in the future is resolved or mitigated. Stephen works with clients rather than telling them that he knows best and as a result he gets the best solutions. Always a pleasure getting advice from Stephen.’

‘Incredibly well connected, knowledgeable, pragmatic and strong advisors.’

‘They really took the time to understand the clients requirements. For example, they spent time on the site prior to commencing work, and met with senior executives up to and including briefing the board. Once they understood the client’s requirements, they were excellent at planning interactions with the other parties, finding solutions rather than problems with the other party’s legal team. The team I was dealing with had a very strong set of values and a culture that is very aligned to our own. Over time a deep level of trust was built that will absolutely stay with us in future transactions.’

‘Liam McCabe heads the construction team. Liam has the requisite technical skills together with many years of experience as a lawyer operating in property, construction and other areas. He has brought on and continues to develop his team through on the job training and guidance. Most of all, Liam is pragmatic and commercial. He is a trusted adviser.’

‘The William Fry construction team are completely in tune with the construction market. They are flexible and have the ability to translate complex client demands into successful outcomes.’

‘William Fry are ahead of the game in their use of technology.’

‘Jarleth Heneghan and Cassandra Byrne deliver their renowned expertise with a standout level of service.’

‘Bryanna Ryan is simply excellent to work with – absolutely committed, a keen negotiator and she invests tremendously in the team around her.’

‘Liam McCabe is a very experienced lawyer, very competent and capable and demands high standards from everyone he deals with, clients, partners, associates and the counter-party. In the specific transaction we were working on he brought all of these skills, and in addition he advised on commercial aspects of the transaction, focusing on what was important and ensuring we reached a satisfactory position. He is a world class counsellor. Bryanna Ryan demands very high standards and has a great manner that is very engaging and builds trust and support.’

‘This practice is practical, commercial and their final fees matched their original quotes.’

‘Martin Cooney is a stand out partner. He is very personable, commercial, direct, practical and his fee quotes match his final invoice.’

‘Martin Cooney’s team gets to grips with the critical issues at an early stage and develops the most appropriate strategies in response to those issues. Their understanding of the realities and constraints of construction/engineering project disputes is especially commendable. What sets them apart is the ability to develop the appropriate strategy in order to achieve the most favourable outcome for their party. ’

‘Martin’s leadership and all round knowledge and experience of the full spectrum of the construction process provides his team of highly motivated and commercially astute lawyers with the confidence to develop and pursue the chosen strategy with clarity and confidence. He is ably supported by the excellent Deirdre Hennessy and Lisa Maloney amongst others.’

‘The construction team in ByrneWallace combine their knowledge of construction contracts and law with their exceptional technical knowledge of construction methods and practice. The combination of these skills enormously enhances their clients’ chances of achieving the best possible outcome. ’

‘The qualities I value are their work ethic, approachability and friendliness. This includes out of hours discussions, which I’ve had on a few occasion at times close to and after midnight, with Martin Cooney, the partner in charge of their construction team. Martin was always available to help, guide and advise.’

‘The expertise of Martin Cooney and the support provided by his colleagues was highly valued.’

‘What stood out was the management and involvement of Martin Cooney, and the quality of both Lisa Maloney and Deirdre Hennessy. ’

‘A strong team for dealing with disputes. An excellent understanding of legal and commercial issues which arises in dealing with clients.’

‘Dermot McEvoy possesses an excellent focus on the needs of the client. Very proactive in addressing issues and in problem solving. Strong in litigation and in all ADR processes. ’

‘Their construction team is very knowledgeable with great depth of experience. ’

‘Angelyn Rowan provides excellent strategic advice and strategic thinking in dealing with issues or problems. ’

‘Angelyn Rowan has excellent sector knowledge and is adept at both contentious and non-contentious construction law.’

‘Careful and diligent, with a fair outlook on risk and firm recommendations ’

‘Clare Cashin is the voice of reason; sometimes clarity and perspective is required in the heat of a legal challenge and Clare is one of the best lawyers to have the confidence, backed by the ability, to properly advise us.’

‘The Beale team has a strong depth of experience in dealing with construction claims. Their advice means claims are dealt with in a timely manner and they are always contactable. Their knowledge and experience means that we have always had a satisfactory outcome when they represent us ’

‘They have excellent working knowledge of the construction sector and the issues that affect consultants in this sector. They also offer strong experience in negotiating settlements with claimants and protecting the interests of their clients. They provide interesting and informative CPD presentations relating to construction issues and general advice. Sarah Conroy, Niamh Loughran and Tara Cosgrove have all provided us with valuable advice in the past year’

‘Tara Cosgrove and Sarah Conroy were particularly good. They both displayed a detailed understanding of the construction industry and were excellent at communicating legal implications to construction professionals who did not have a legal background and were always available when issues arose at short notice.’

‘The team at Beale’s Dublin office has provided us with an excellent professional service in the areas of construction related claims.

‘Tara Cosgrove, Sarah Conroy, Killian Dorney, Feena Robinson and the team at the Dublin office has provided sound legal advice grounded in a deep knowledge and understanding of the construction sector. The service provided has been professional and efficient at all times. Key in the provision of their service is their ability to interpret and communicate complex legal concepts relevant to our understanding of the issues.’

‘The particular strength displayed by Eugene F. Collins is derived from their expertise, detailed knowledge of relevant construction contracts and associated statutory requirements, and their hands-on approach to applying this expertise to progress issues on construction projects or acquisitions under Development Agreements.’

‘I have found that all of the lawyers I have dealt with in EFC display a clear understanding of construction contracts and associated issues and all provide a high level of personal attention and commitment to resolving issues on behalf of their clients while also striving to avoid unnecessary conflict and achieve mutually satisfactory outcomes for all parties where possible. ’

‘The LK Shields Construction team has very good construction law experience and knowledge. In particular it has good experience of how to engage in, resolve, and avoid construction disputes, all with a view to affording maximum costs exposure protection to the client and maximum recovery from their contracts.’

‘The lawyers I have worked with show very good knowledge, have very good communication skills, and a tremendous appetite for work, including working all hours necessary to fulfil deadlines and get the job done to a very high standard.’