Firms in the Spotlight Healthcare and life sciences

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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Healthcare and life sciences in Ireland

A&L Goodbody LLP

A&L Goodbody LLP‘s team remains noted for its experience in international investment into Ireland’s life sciences sector, along with patent and other related litigation, and licensing and regulatory enforcement. The group has worked on a series of capital markets offerings by life sciences issuers, and headline acquisitions and disposals by foreign and Ireland-based entities; mid-market M&A in this area is also a forte. Cliona Christle is joint head of the life sciences and healthcare group and is rated for commercial, licensing and regulatory matters. Ronan Lyons is noted for life sciences M&A and private equity investments. Róise Nic Ghráinne is a rising star.

Practice head(s):

Cliona Christle; Ronan Lyons


Other key lawyers:

Sheena Doggett; John Whelan; Alan Casey; Róise Nic Ghráinne, Andrea Hannon


Testimonials

‘Responsive and industry specific knowledge was the reason to select ALG. Clear communication including in third party correspondence was a particular strength in a complex matter.’

‘Cliona Christle – always calm and able to see the important points to be focused on.’

Key clients

Endo International PLC (and its subsidiaries)


Laya Healthcare Limited


Karl Storz Se & Co. Kg


Smith & Nephew plc


Nabriva Therapeutics plc


Jeffries LLC


Insmed Ireland Limited


Malin Corporation plc


SyBridge Technologies LP, backed by US private equity firm Crestview Partners


Amgen Inc


Abbott Laboratories


Prothena


Alcon, Inc


RVL Pharmaceuticals plc


Nursing Homes Ireland


Sloane Helicopters Limited


SynOx Therapeutics Limited


Neuromod devices limited


Novartis Pharma AG


Agilio Software Bidco Limited


Perrigo Company plc


Astora Women’s Health Ireland Limited and Astora Women’s Health Inc. Subsidiaries of Endo International Plc


Phoenix Pharmahandel GmbH


Work highlights


  • Advised Endo International PLC and its Irish Subsidiaries on the Irish law aspects of its internal restructuring and its US Bankruptcy Chapter 11 sale process.
  • Advised American International Group and its subsidiary, Corebridge Financial, on the sale of Laya Healthcare Limited to AXA for €650m.
  • Advised KARL STORZ on its 100% acquisition of the share capital AventaMed DAC, an Irish medical technologies company based in Cork.

Arthur Cox

Arthur Cox fields a large multi-disciplinary team that advises a vast array of domestic and international life sciences and healthcare businesses. It specialises in a range of areas from M&A, regulatory and compliance, to product liability, IP and data protection. Colin Kavanagh is a respected figure in M&A, commercial contracts and regulatory matters, and heads the life sciences group. Joanelle O’Cleirigh is at the forefront of investigations, inquiries and disputes involving the healthcare and life sciences sectors; this includes recently acting for St Vincent’s Healthcare Group in an appeal to the High Court over a decision by the Office of the Information Commissioner.

Practice head(s):

Joanelle O’Cleirigh; Colin Kavanagh


Other key lawyers:

Ryan Ferry; Bridget Clinton


Testimonials

‘For me it’s the depth and breadth of the team – at the cutting edge.’

‘Joanelle O’Cleirigh is stand out for me. Her experience and judgement are second to none. When you are in a challenging situation you want her by your side.’

Key clients

Allergan


Bristol-Myers Squibb


Becton Dickinson


Blackrock Healthcare Group (which incorporates Blackrock Hospital, Hermitage Clinic and Galway Clinic)


Food Safety Authority of Ireland


Gilead Sciences


HSE


Johnson & Johnson


Mallinckrodt


Medical Council


Monsanto


MSD


Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland


Novartis


PatientMPower


Regeneron


Religious Sisters of Charity


Sanofi/Genzyme


Stryker


St. James Hospital


TÜV Rheinland LGA Products GmbH


UMPC Group


Valeant/Bausch Health


Leo Pharmaceuticals


Chanelle Pharmaceuticals


Tallaght Hospital


Private Hospitals Association


Stewarts Care


Child and Family Agency (Tusla )


Cofinimmo


Healthhero


National Maternity Hospital


Nursing Home Ireland


Chanelle Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Ltd


Iredale Cosmetics


Foundry Innovation and Research 1 Limited


Daiichi Sankyo Ireland Ltd


Biogen Idec International GmBH


Alnylam Switzerland GmBH


EU Meds Direct Ltd


Ferring Ireland Ltd


Vertex Pharmaceuticals


Galapagos NV


GlaxoSmithKline


Kenesis Health Technologies Ltd


Mater Private Hospital


Moderna Switzerland GmBH


Peppy Health Limited


Procter & Gamble UK


Quest Diagnostics Inc


SmileDirectClub


South Texas Accelerated Research Therapeutics


Spectral MD


Symbios UK Ltd


Burst Oral Care


CareChoice


Work highlights


  • Acted for St Vincent’s Healthcare Group in an appeal to the High Court from a decision of the Office of the Information Commissioner which found that St Vincent’s University Hospital should not have refused a freedom of information request for hospital board minutes and related briefing papers.
  • Advised Regeneron on the Irish corporate, commercial and regulatory aspects of its acquisition of Sanofi’s stake in the product Libtayo and the post-acquisition integration of Libtayo into Regeneron’s supply chain.
  • Advised the first lien creditors of Endo in the multi-jurisdictional acquisition of all of the assets of Endo plc’s group of companies for approximately $6bn.

ByrneWallace LLP

ByrneWallace LLP has a prestigious history in public sector health and social care. It has a large team that is highly rated for healthcare litigation. It has acted for clients in numerous landmark child protection and healthcare law cases over the years. It routinely handles a high volume of child protection cases on behalf of the state and represents clients in wide-ranging areas from data breaches to judicial review and investigations. In life sciences, the firm fields another sizeable team with senior and highly-specialised practitioners, covering M&A, financings, license agreements and joint-venture agreements, among other areas. Colin Sainsbury is hugely experienced and a leading figure in the life sciences area. Also immensely experienced, Sinéad Kearney SC leads the health and social care team and is an authority on child protection and childcare law. Olive Doyle is rated for mental health law and Eoghan Wallace is another prominent name in child protection and childcare law. Catherine Dowling is noted for life sciences transactions.

Practice head(s):

Colin Sainsbury; Sinéad Kearney SC


Other key lawyers:

Eoghan Wallace; Catherine Dowling; Olive Doyle; Patrick McClean; Daniel Holohan; Alan Doyle


Testimonials

‘The ByrneWallace Healthcare Team were at all times fully conversant with and highly committed to their client and with their brief. I have recently retired as a District Judge hearing numerous childcare applications for upwards of the past four years. I cannot recall any appearance by team members which fell short of the highest standards. It was reassuring to the Court that all possible solutions to intractable problems had been canvassed by the team with their client and that no matter what difficulties might arise they were fully and frankly disclosed to the Court.’

‘Colin Sainsbury provides a high level of personal attention that you would not receive in other firms.’

‘ByrneWallace is one of the largest law firms in Ireland and provides legal advice across a large spectrum of industries. They have extensive experience working with state and semi-state bodies. Their public sector group administer an in-house training programme so that clients are kept informed of legislative developments. Their Data Protection Officer club provides a platform to discuss recent data protection issues.’

‘Alan Doyle at ByrneWallace has provided legal services to our semi-state company for several years. Alan advised our company on a range of complex issues and successfully defended a number of judicial review applications and statutory appeals in the High Court. His legal advice has always proven to be the correct. Alan responds promptly to enquiries and is the ultimate professional.’

‘Clear and practical advice, very experienced and approachable firm.’

‘Highly skilled, very experienced solicitors, experts in the area.’

‘ByrneWallace has a very strong client focus. There seems to be a real ethos to listen closely to client needs; to work with clients to flesh out requirements and strategies; and, in turn, to draw on their deep resources to deliver relevant support. The ByrneWallace team is a highly professional and resourceful — and a pleasure to work with!’

‘Colin Sainsbury (Partner) is an important support to us in our work. With a background of extensive practice experience in our field, we very much appreciate his energy and focus, and the attention he gives to fully understanding and responding to our needs. We greatly value this relationship. Colin is a pleasure to work with.’

Work highlights


Hayes Solicitors LLP

Hayes Solicitors LLP is a healthcare heavyweight, especially in the clinical negligence area. It acts for both the Medical Protection Society (MPS) and State Claims Agency (SCA), along with Dental Protection Limited and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland. It has continued to represent clients in catastrophic injury cases with potential high quantum liability. Mary Hough leads the healthcare litigation team and is an authority on medical negligence. Louise O’Rourke is a leader in catastrophic birth and spinal injury cases. Stephen McGuinness and Martha Wilson are also key partners in medical negligence. Kevin Dunne leads the healthcare regulatory team.

Practice head(s):

Mary Hough


Other key lawyers:

Louise O’Rourke; Stephen McGuinness; Katy Meade; Martha Wilson


Testimonials

‘Hayes are an excellent firm and always very fair to deal with. While they generally appear in cases against us, they always adopt a very fair, balanced and pragmatic approach to matters.’

‘Kevin Dunne is excellent. Kevin is an excellent advocate and always acts in his clients’ best interests and really does care about them. Kevin clearly has immense passion for the work he does.’

‘The service provided by this firm is of the highest possible calibre. The team is well informed, efficient, professional and deals with clients, counsel and opposing practitioners in an ethical and trustworthy manner.’

‘Stand out individuals include Mary Hough, Stephen McGuinness, Martha Wilson, Louise O Rourke.’

‘Stephen McGuinness has outstanding insight, superb manner. Martha Wilson is excellent, calm, capable.’

‘I am a senior counsel regularly instructed by Hayes. They have very longstanding expertise in the healthcare area, advising hospitals and litigating medical negligence claims. They are the foremost firm doing professional discipline.’

‘Martha Wilson, Louise O’Rourke and Mary Hough are really excellent solicitors. They are very thorough and experienced.’

‘Katy Meade, no stone is left unturned in the investigation of claims.’

Key clients

State Claims Agency


Medical Protection Society


Dental Protection Limited


Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland


Work highlights


Mason Hayes & Curran LLP

Mason Hayes & Curran LLP has a large, multidisciplinary team with an excellent record in both healthcare and life sciences. The highly-specialised team covers a range of sub-sectors, notably medical litigation, healthcare and life sciences IP, corporate healthcare and life sciences, product liability and healthcare governance and regulation. It continues to defend clients against high-value clinical negligence claims and has a major market share of cases before the Cervical Check Tribunal. Martin Kelleher is a standout practitioner in corporate life sciences transactions. Kevin Power, a former doctor and surgeon, heads the healthcare and medical team, while Michaela Herron leads the life sciences regulatory team. Ciara Deasy and Mark McCabe have been promoted to partner. David Hickey and Katie McAuliffe are rising stars.

Practice head(s):

Kevin Power; Martin Kelleher; Michaela Herron


Other key lawyers:

Keelin Cowhey; Gemma Coady; Jennifer Henry; James Gallagher; Brian Horkan; Ciara Deasy; Mark McCabe; Katie McAuliffe; David Hickey; Katie Bermingham-Thomas


Testimonials

‘Katie McAuliffe, who is a senior associate, manages a good number of cases. I would describe Katie as extremely knowledgeable. She is professional, yet empathetic. She has a calming reassuring manner with clinicians. She also understands that there is a human factor on both sides to the cases she manages. Katie also investigates her cases so well. She is absolutely forensic, which I love.’

‘I am in constant contact with Keelin Cowhey and David Hickey, who are both passionate, professional and supportive in all of their interactions. I co-ordinate legal matters for a hospital, however I do not have a legal background. I have been so appreciative of Keelin and Davids support in assisting me in understanding the processes we are both involved in, their patience and consistent communication have enabled me to learn and grow in my own role. Unlike other firms that I also deal with, MHC provide a superior level of customer service which I how found invaluable.’

‘Kevin Power has outstanding medical knowledge and can get through the most complex cases very quickly converting the most technical aspects of a case to understandable instructions. Gemma Coady is the most experienced birth injury practitioner that I know. Keelin Cowhey has experience of hundreds of medical cases and has outstanding instincts in terms of knowing how a case will pan out. Jennifer Henry brings experience from prior firms and a spread of knowledge across litigation and products that really assists.’

‘MHC is highly pragmatic in its approach. Cuts down complexities into solutions. MHC is very relationship driven so really strong with clients and with service providers such as counsel. There is a great balance between youth and experience, they seem to have the team thing down so younger associates are let flourish, brought on but experienced partners keep an eye but in a light touch, highly effective way. Good electronic briefing systems. Very user friendly, happy firm to deal with.’

‘All the partners are excellent, with Kevin Power, Ciara Deasy and Mark McCabe being excellent members of the younger generation. Among the associates, David Hickey stands out for his attention to detail and hard work. He gets on very well with clients and the doctors he represents and has an excellent and sympathetic touch in difficult cases, such as coroners’ matters.’

‘Keelin Cowhey is a very impressive solicitor who is an integral part of the team which is led by Kevin Power. All of the solicitors I work with are capable and it is obvious from their work that they are well supported.’

‘Brian Horkan is hands on, collaborative, and clearly provides great leadership and support to his team. Katie Bermingham-Thomas is exceptionally professional, hardworking, and competent. She’s great to work with because she’s on top of every case and it always runs smoothly with her.’

‘Ciara Deasy is very approachable and practical in terms of her advice. Distills down the key issues in an easily understandable fashion.’

Key clients

Clinical Indemnity Scheme of the State Claims Agency


Quest Diagnostics Incorporated


Health Service Executive


Child and Family Agency (Tusla)


The Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland


The Irish Medical Council


St Patrick’s Mental Health Services


Medisec/MedPro


Allergan Limited


Voluntary Healthcare Forum


Work highlights


  • Acted for the State Claims Agency in the defence of a catastrophic birth injury action, in which the plaintiff alleged their diagnosed development delay and autism were caused by negligence at the time of delivery.
     
  • Acted on behalf of Quest Diagnostics Incorporated in the defence of professional negligence claims arising from the alleged misreading of cervical smear samples in the context of the ongoing fallout from the cervical check controversy.
  • Acted for LetsGetChecked in a $150m Series D funding round led by Casdin Capital.

Matheson LLP

Matheson LLP is a major force in life sciences transactions, including M&A and restructurings, along with healthcare litigation and regulatory matters. It has advised clients on some of the largest life sciences deals of recent years, such as representing Horizon Therapeutics in the proposed $28bn acquisition by Pillartree (a wholly owned subsidiary of Amgen), implemented as an Irish High Court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement. It has defended clients in a series of cases linked to the CervicalCheck scandal, along with other headline healthcare cases. Rebecca Ryan is head of healthcare, specialising in medical negligence and clinical malpractice. Kate McKenna is noted for life sciences regulatory matters and David Fitzgibbon is a leader in life sciences M&A. Emma Doherty is key for corporate governance in both life sciences and healthcare. John Coary was recently promoted to partner.

Practice head(s):

Rebecca Ryan; Emma Doherty; Kate McKenna


Other key lawyers:

David Fitzgibbon; John Coary


Testimonials

‘Rebecca Ryan is exceptional. She offers clear, practical advice, is very responsive and a pleasure to work with.’

‘Large, experienced, professional and highly motivated team, who provide high quality work to agreed timescales and deadlines. Very professional in all communications. Vast knowledge of regulation, statute and case law in relevant area, which informs all advice given, which is always carefully considered and comprehensive in nature.’

‘Very responsive, knowledgeable, approachable. Always willing to go above and beyond in their service and advice. Always clear in the scope of their instructions.’

‘John Coary – efficient, quick, available, understood quickly what we needed.’

McCann FitzGerald LLP

McCann FitzGerald LLP has a major presence in contentious, transactional and regulatory aspects of life sciences and healthcare. It continues to be noted for product liability and has acted for clients in many of the largest cases in recent Irish history. IP and commercial disputes are also a forte for the team, which has an established record in transactions and regulatory matters. Fiona O’Beirne is hugely experienced in IP and commercial disputes, notably patent litigation in the medical device and pharmaceutical sectors; she and her team continue to act for clients in a range of headline cases. Roddy Bourke is a market leader in product liability cases and corporate partner David Lydon has a background in high-value life sciences transactions.

Practice head(s):

Roddy Bourke; Fiona O’Beirne; David Lydon


Other key lawyers:

Paul Lavery; Adam Finlay; Garreth O’Brien; Shane O’Brien; Catherine Derrig; Catherine Walsh


Testimonials

‘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.’

Key clients

Pfizer Inc.


Bristol Meyers Squib


VHI


Biogen MA Inc and Biogen International GmbH


Inflection Biosciences


Alkermes Pharma Ireland Limited and Alkermes Inc


Water Street Healthcare Partners LLC


Work highlights


  • Acted for Biogen in ongoing patent proceedings against Neuraxpharm in the Intellectual Property and Technology Division of the Commercial Court.
  • Acted for Bristol Myers Squibb in the defence of a Commercial Court patent/SPC revocation action brought by Norton (Waterford) Limited.
  • Advised Inflection Biosciences on IP ownership, licensing, development, exploitation, and protection measures and strategies in connection with its review and development of patents and related IP in the field of oncology.

William Fry LLP

William Fry LLP has a highly developed healthcare and life sciences practice that continues to earn accolades for product liability, patent litigation, M&A transactions and regulatory matters in the life sciences space. In healthcare, it remains active in clinical, professional and product liability cases, including clinical negligence claims linked to the CervicalCheck screening programme. Laura Scott leads the life sciences team and has an outstanding record in patent disputes. Margaret Muldowney and Fiona Barry are noted for clinical negligence cases, including claims arising from the CervicalCheck programme. Mary Cooney is a key figure for product liability cases and Charleen O’Keeffe and Colette Brady are also rated for patent disputes.

Practice head(s):

Margaret Muldowney; Laura Scott


Other key lawyers:

Fiona Barry; Charleen O’Keeffe; Colette Brady; Mary Cooney; Florence Meagher; Leo Moore


Testimonials

‘Laura Scott and Leo Moore are brilliant. Both understand the intricacies, challenges and opportunities in the life sciences. Together their litigation and transactional skills mean they can cover all angles of IP in the life sciences sector.’

‘Global network. Very experienced and knowledgeable. Great with technical detail, hardworking and very professional.’

‘Charleen O’Keeffe (Partner) and Florence Meagher (Senior Associate), a strong team. Very experienced and knowledgeable. They see the big picture and overall strategy, but also show great attention to each detail. Solution driven, great with technical detail, hardworking and very professional.’

Key clients

Clinical Pathology Laboratories


Medical Protection Society/Orthopaedic Surgeons


Eli Lilly


AstraZenenca AB


Boehringer Ingelheim


WaterWipes UC


Amgen Inc


Edwards Lifesciences


RCSI


Uniphar Plc


Work highlights


  • Advised Clinical Pathology Laboratories Inc, which provided services to the Irish cervical screening programme, on defending over 100 claims by women who claim a delay in diagnosis of cervical cancer as a result of allegedly misinterpreted smear slides reported as part of that programme.
  • Acted for Eli Lilly in Commercial Court proceedings for the revocation of a patent held by Novartis Pharma AG (Novartis) and in related Commercial Court infringement proceedings issued by Novartis against Eli Lilly.
  • Advised Amgen on its proposed acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics.

Comyn Kelleher Tobin LLP

Comyn Kelleher Tobin LLP is a major player in healthcare litigation, especially clinical and professional negligence, along with product liability cases. The firm has defended the Health Service Executive (HSE) for decades, along with the State Claims Agency since 2004. The firm is also noted for insurance coverage disputes, data protection matters and GDPR claims. Eamon Harrington is head of litigation and has an outstanding reputation in medical negligence. Patrice O’Keeffe, Katharine Kelleher and Hilda O’Keeffe are also key partners, along with Alison Kelleher and Yvonne Joyce.

Practice head(s):

Eamon Harrington


Other key lawyers:

Patrice O’Keeffe; Hilda O’Keeffe; Alison Kelleher; Yvonne Joyce; Katherine Kelleher; Lebeau Jonker; Emily Sexton; Grace Toher


Testimonials

‘The entire team are very experienced. They know how the solicitors and barristers for plaintiffs operate and negotiate and they tailor their approach to get the best results. Eamon Harrington is widely known and respected by his peers and his ability to effectively act as the lead negotiator is very helpful. Patrice O’Keeffe, Hilda O’Keeffe and Yvonne Joyce are all very well known for being pragmatic litigators with the ability to bring reluctant participants to the negotiating table. Grace Toher is at the earlier stage of her career but is extremely diligent, with great attention to detail and is being mentored by Eamon. Overall, they are a super team.’

‘Most of my dealings are with Eamon Harrington, who remains for me the exemplar of a litigation manager. He has the overview on everything, appreciates how things fit together and anticipates things in a way that makes him seem to see around corners. Then, when an issue arises, he drills into the detail and seeks to find solutions, not problems. He encourages cooperation and compromise and reaches out directly and is a brilliant direct communicator. He is trustworthy, very trustworthy, and in litigation that is a big asset for your client because your opponent will obviously be far more willing to engage or to take a risk to find a solution to a problem.’

‘CKT are honest with their clients about the pros and cons of their cases, so the clients can make good decisions. There is sometimes a temptation to tell clients what they want to hear. However, I think that clients appreciate CKT’s clear and pragmatic advice and clients know that CKT will be upfront with them, and they can trust and rely on CKT’s advice. In my experience CKT are never outworked by the other side. CKT investigate every aspect of each case and know that complete preparation is the key to providing sound advice. CKT deal with legal issues sensibly and realistically and in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.’

‘The CKT healthcare team are quite simply the best! CKT engage really well with their clients and our insured doctors. They are extremely proactive and responsive, have the required skillset necessary for a highly specialised area of law, are commercially pragmatic and have an excellent understanding of the medico legal challenges of the healthcare industry. CKT’s strength lies in the depth of their resources and breadth of their experience. They stand out from others in how genuine they are and demonstrate a culture of excellence in all they do.’

‘Eamon Harrington leads the healthcare team superbly. Eamon has unrivalled experience and is well liked by everyone he deals with. He has excellent judgment and insights into the medico legal challenges facing patients, doctors and indemnifiers alike. He would be our first choice for complex and large value claims. He is pragmatic and affable. His advice is always clear – he is calm, professional, responsive and client-friendly. Patrice O’Keeffe is incredibly thorough and exceptionally well regarded by clients and peers alike. She provides excellent clear and concise advice with deep knowledge and attention to detail. Yvonne Joyce is a powerhouse with an impressive growing reputation. She is particularly strong on GDPR in the healthcare industry. She is proactive, with a good sense of what needs to be prioritised and is solution driven. You can rely on her as she is knowledgeable and effective. Alison Kelleher is another excellent lawyer from the CKT healthcare team who is known for her considered judgment and wise counsel. Emily Sexton is very responsive and a strong negotiator. She takes a practical but thorough approach to her work and provides excellent pragmatic advice.’

‘Eamon Harrington in particular has an ability to take the most complex medical case and break it down a single sheet presentation without loss of any value. He has top class litigation instincts. The whole team are simply top-class medical litigators handling the most complex litigation.’

‘Eamon Harrington has rare insight and wisdom. It is a fortunate client that finds him as an adviser. Patrice O’Keeffe is intelligent, hard-working and sympathetic. Her preparation is first class. Yvonne Joyce – I have rarely seen a solicitor who puts so much into preparing a case. Every avenue is explored, every issue investigated.’

‘The CKT team is very strong and one of the leading general and clinical litigation firms in the country. CKT always designate a supervising partner to the client’s litigation and the partners have a depth of skills, knowledge and strategic thinking that places them in the leading category of solicitor practices, on the defence side, in the country. CKT are very skilled at alternative dispute resolution strategies and have excellent client-handling communication skills.’

Key clients

State Claims Agency


Health Service Executive (HSE)


Medisec


Allianz Insurance


Irish Public Bodies Insurance


MedPro


Tusla – the Child and Family Agency


Work highlights


  • Advised HSE on a number of disability cases over the past number of years, including a recent set of leading cases on the Disability Act 2005 and the Assessment of Needs (AON) process in Ireland.

Eversheds Sutherland

Eversheds Sutherland has a wide-ranging practice across both life sciences and healthcare fields. Team members from the corporate, commercial and real estate departments have a significant focus on life sciences, which includes transactional and regulatory engagements. The practice has continued to work on major M&A transactions, venture capital fundraisings and commercial contracts in the life sciences sector. In healthcare, the firm remains active in defending hospital insurers, reinsurers and brokers against clinical negligence claims. It hired consultant Emma Meagher, a specialist in women’s medical negligence, in October 2022. Tony McGovern is an experienced figure in life sciences transactions.

Practice head(s):

Tony McGovern; Pamela O’Neill


Other key lawyers:

Emma Meagher; Dermot McEvoy


Key clients

Aerogen


Aspen Pharma


Deepverge Plc


Head Diagnostics Limited


Vivasure Limited


Conveyor Cardiovascular Limited


I360 Medical


Webdoctor


Creganna Medical


Avery Dennison Medical


HSE


Allianz Insurance plc


Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance


Hermitage Medical Clinic


Highfield Healthcare


Mater Private Hospital


Jigsaw


St. Francis Hospice


St. Vincent’s Private Hospital


Nursing Homes Ireland


Clanwilliam Health


Portman Healthcare


Owens & Minor


Work highlights


  • Advised Head Diagnostics in relation to an investment by Enterprise Ireland following on from the successful completion of its 2022 Series A financing round.
  • Acted for Berkshire Hathaway Speciality Insurance in a claim arising out of a procedure for coronary artery bypass graft.
  • Advised Vivasure Medical on the successful completion of the arrangements between shareholders in Vivasure Medical and Haemonetics Corporation for an option on the part of Haemonetics to acquire Vivasure Medical on the achievement of certain milestones.

Kennedys

Kennedys has a significant presence in healthcare litigation, especially medical negligence cases. It represents a variety of medical service providers, medical product manufacturers, healthcare professionals and their insurers. It has remained active in CervicalCheck misdiagnosis claims. Joanne O’Sullivan leads the team and played a pivotal role in the firm’s appointment to the State Claims Agency’s legal panel in January 2023. Legal director Shanna Dunne is noted for clinical negligence and product liability cases.

Practice head(s):

Joanne O’Sullivan


Other key lawyers:

Shanna Dunne; Olan Kelleher


Testimonials

‘Responsiveness, quality of advice, thorough and prompt attention.’

‘Joanne O’Sullivan (Standout Partner), Shanna Dunne (Standout Associate).’

‘Kennedys Dublin, headed up by Joanne O’Sullivan, are extremely knowledgeable in the healthcare field and go above and beyond for their clients. They are very friendly and engaging, and nothing is too much trouble. They are very commercially minded.’

‘Shanna Dunne and Joanne O’Sullivan are very friendly and approachable and are robust negotiators. They obtain excellent results for their clients.’

‘The team’s overall performance singles them out really. They work to deadlines effectively, provide well-structured and informative reports, and the solicitors are intelligent and approachable. They clearly have an excellent work culture.’

‘Joanne O’Sullivan – Probably the best healthcare defendant solicitor in Ireland. Joanne’s work ethic is second to none, her knowledge of the subject is deep and yet she combines this with an easy-going relaxed character that puts you at ease. The latter quality is essential when you have doctors going through a very stressful period in their life.’

‘Olan Kelleher – Olan presents with a similar relaxed attitude to Joanne without showing any signs of complacency. He’s thorough, has an eye for detail, has an excellent work ethic. Joanne and Olan are the two who I work with most. There are others in the team who undoubtedly deserve praise that I haven’t singled out. I’ve not had a bad experience with the Kennedys team in Ireland.’

Key clients

Challenge Indemnity


CPL Healthcare Limited


DCM Optical Express


DePuy International Limited


Finsbury Orthopaedics Limited


Johnson & Johnson


Medlab Pathology Limited


Oculentis GmbH


Sims IVF (Advanced Fertility Care)


Sonic Healthcare (Ireland) Limited


State Claims Agency


Work highlights


  • Instructed as lead counsel in CervicalCheck (cancer misdiagnosis) cases in Ireland for the past several years.
  • Appointed to the State Claims Agency panel in January 2023.

RDJ LLP

RDJ LLP has extensive experience in healthcare claims across both the public and private sector. It represents a range of statutory bodies, health insurers, healthcare operations, hospitals and physicians in clinical negligence cases. The firm acts for the State Claims Agency and represents a number of key insurers. Padraic Brennan, Imelda Tierney, Fergal Dennehy and Peter Groarke are experienced in defending hospitals against catastrophic birth injury and negligence claims, along with cases involving alleged cancer misdiagnosis and acquired brain injuries; Groarke is also noted for advising nursing homes on regulatory matters and inquiries. Gillian Keating is a prominent name in life sciences corporate transactions and fundraisings.

Practice head(s):

Padraic Brennan; Fergal Dennehy


Other key lawyers:

Gillian Keating; Imelda Tierney; Peter Groarke; JP Gilmartin; Ruth Finnerty; Fionnuala Cullinane


Testimonials

‘Excellent client updating and technology reviews.’

‘I recommend Fergal Dennehy, Peter Groarke and Fionnuala Cullinane highly.’

Key clients

State Claims Agency


Bons Secours Health System


Liberty Insurance


Allianz


Travelers Insurance


Mater Private Cork


St Lukes Nursing Home


Care Choice


Whitfield Private Clinic


RSA


Berkshire Hathaway Insurance


Work highlights


Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard has a strong background in healthcare and life sciences, notably representing the Health Products Regulatory Authority, Nursing and Midwifery Board and other regulatory bodies. It has extensive experience in medical law and regulatory matters, along with expertise in M&A, IP and capital raisings. Ronan O’Neill, a senior dispute resolution partner, is noted for statutory and regulatory matters, as is Stephen McLoughlin, who is experienced in fitness to practise inquiries and judicial reviews.

Practice head(s):

Ronan O’Neill


Other key lawyers:

Stephen McLoughlin


Key clients

Health Products Regulatory Authority


Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland


Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland


Johnson & Johnson


Medisec Ireland


DABL Limited


St John Ambulance Ireland


Connemara Biomedical Holdings


Seroba Life Sciences


Work highlights


  • Acted for Johnson & Johnson on a range of trade mark issues.
  • Acted for the HPRA in a number of cases involving individuals who allegedly suffered personal injuries as a result of taking the Pandemrix vaccine.
  • Advised Revive Active on receipt of equity investment from the state-backed growth fund BGF.

Carson McDowell

Carson McDowell, the Belfast-based firm, has brought its extensive clinical negligence defence expertise to the Dublin market. Growing its team in recent years, and with a number of Belfast-located practitioners also spending time in the Dublin office, it has gained considerable traction in the Irish market. Clients include the Medical Protection Society and Dental Protection. Sinéad Keavey leads the Dublin office and has extensive experience in defending healthcare professionals and indemnifiers. Kathleen Byrne is another key clinical negligence defence specialist, having joined the office from Clyde & Co in 2022. Jacqueline McAleese splits her time between Belfast and Dublin.

Practice head(s):

Sinéad Keavey


Other key lawyers:

Roger McMillan; Jacqueline McAleese; Leigh Linton; Francesca Lowry; Kathleen Byrne; Ciara Hanratty


Testimonials

‘I am familiar with the Dublin office. It is a small but strong team. There is an excellent balance of fighting hard for clients where possible and pragmatism when necessary.’

‘Sinead Keavey is an excellent addition. Ciara Hanratty is excellent in quickly grasping the essentials of a case and analysing strengths and weaknesses.’

Key clients

Medical Protection Society


Dental Protection


Associations of Optometrists


Work highlights


DAC Beachcroft Dublin

DAC Beachcroft Dublin has an intense focus on medical defence litigation and regulatory matters, representing a large proportion of the London Market insurers that write Irish risks in the medical market. Clients also include the State Claims Agency. The Dublin team is able to lean on the resources and expertise of the firm’s UK and global offices. Niamh McKeever has both Ireland and UK experience, continuing to act for the State Claims Agency in medical negligence defence claims, along with a number of London Market insurers; she is also noted for her regulatory expertise.

Practice head(s):

Niamh McKeever


Testimonials

‘I worked extensively with Niamh McKeever, of Beachcroft DAC. She worked on a multi-year project that resulted in the successful negotiation of several amendments to the 2005 Health and Social Care Professionals Act; thus, creating an enhanced regime of Statutory regulation for allied health professionals in Ireland.’

‘The expertise and diligence of Niamh McKeever at Beachcroft DAC was without comparison in other legal firms. Throughout this project, I had the opportunity to liaise with several other practices. Ms McKeever and Beachcroft’s performance surpassed these firms, in terms of expertise in health care regulatory frameworks, diligence and commitment.’

‘I found that Niamh McKeever in Beachcroft DAC was peerless in terms of her; 1. Knowledge of health care regulatory frameworks and legislation 2. Advice on tactical matters related to stakeholder negotiation and coordinating legal with public affairs strategies 3. Dedication. Ms McKeever has frequently made herself available to offer legal advice and crisis management to my organisation. This included being available at Christmas and during public holidays.’

Key clients

State Claims Agency


Medical Protection Liability Company (MPLC)


Medical Defence Union (MDU)


NHS Resolution


Enstar Group Limited


Beazley


AXA XL


Irish Association of Physical Therapists (IAPT)


CNA Hardy


Allied World Assurance Company (Europe) dac


Work highlights


  • Acted for the State Claims Agency in multiple medical negligence defence claims.
  • Acted for a diverse range of international insurers on a variety of complex medical negligence actions.
  • Acted for the SCA in the defence of a public hospital and its treating clinicians in a medical negligence claim.

DLA Piper Ireland LLP

DLA Piper Ireland LLP has a burgeoning presence in the life sciences and healthcare fields, including in high-value transactions, commercial matters and IP disputes. The Dublin team expanded with the hire of life sciences IP partner Aoife Murphy from Whitney Moore in April 2023. The group now represents some of the biggest domestic and international corporates in the life sciences and healthcare sectors. It continues to advise international clients on establishing Irish subsidiaries and local operations, along with addressing data protection and privacy obligations. Caoimhe Clarkin is a key partner for regulatory matters and litigation.

Practice head(s):

Aoife Murphy; Maura Dineen; Darach Connolly


Other key lawyers:

Caoimhe Clarkin


Key clients

Mylan


University Pittsburgh Medical Centre Ireland (UPMC)


Applied Process Company Limited


Medtronic plc


Dexcom


Sarepta Therapeutics


Syneos Health


Eurofins Biomnis Ireland Limited


Medica Group plc


Bristol Myers Squibb


Haemonetics Corporation


Global Diagnostics Ireland Limited


Wuxi Biologics


BioNTech manufacturing GmbH


Janssen Biotech Inc


Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC


Novartis AG


Eurofins Biomnis Ireland Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised CVS Health on all aspects of its establishment of its Irish subsidiary, Cordavis, to launch Hyrimoz, a Humira biosimilar, in the US market – the first of its kind structure used in the Irish market.
  • Acted for Biontech in Irish patent infringement proceedings brought by Moderna against BioNTech and Pfizer.
  • Advised Horizon Therapeutics on all GDPR compliance requirements including its data mapping and vendor diligence, data processing agreements, and risk assessments, and also in respect of its corporate website builds across Europe.

Philip Lee LLP

Philip Lee LLP‘s longstanding public sector experience provides a platform for a thriving healthcare practice, including sectoral investigations and constitutional applications to the High Court. It has also developed a strong focus on life sciences and pharmaceuticals, particularly in relation to antitrust, intellectual property and data protection matters. Marie Kinsella has an outstanding reputation and is a ‘star performer’ in clinical healthcare. Anne Bateman and Ronan Dunne lead the life sciences and pharmaceuticals side of the practice.

Practice head(s):

Marie Kinsella: Anne Bateman


Other key lawyers:

Ronan Dunne


Testimonials

‘The healthcare team is, in my experience, extremely well integrated into the overall functioning of the firm, delivering expert advice and strategy across a range of areas. Marie Kinsella, who has particular expertise, has catapulted this team into another tier in this area.’

‘Marie Kinsella is undoubtedly a star performer. She is well connected in the industry, she has an extremely thorough technical knowledge, with the broader vision to situate that knowledge into coherent, winning strategies.’

‘Experienced, capable practitioners who have subject matter expertise.’

‘Marie Kinsella has expert subject knowledge, is professional, knowledgeable and responsive in managing her clients.’

‘Marie Kinsella has a wealth of experience in clinical healthcare, and she brings this experience and expertise to her work practice.’

‘Marie Kinsella stands out due to her practical application to healthcare and life science. She brings her knowledge from the clinical field to her work delivery, always able to relate to practice on the frontline.’

‘I have worked with Marie Kinsella. Marie has extensive knowledge and experience, but she is always ready and willing to learn from our experiences in the cold face of care delivery. Marie can explain complex legal rulings and situations to all levels of staff in the healthcare environment.’

‘I deal with Marie Kinsella who is a partner. Marie is open and receptive. She is also practical.’

Work highlights


Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP‘s Dublin office has a major emphasis on life sciences, which is backed by further expertise in healthcare. It now has an extensive list of life sciences clients, who engage the firm in regulatory and commercialisation issues, patent litigation and commercial disputes. The firm is also a growing force in healthcare sector transactions, including M&A deals. Neil Keenan is an experienced corporate partner with an extensive record in life sciences and healthcare M&A, with Dorian Rees having an emerging reputation in this area. Ann Henry and legal director Karen Gallagher are key names for life sciences patent actions. Michael Finn has left the firm.

Practice head(s):

Karen Gallagher; Neil Keenan; Dorian Rees


Other key lawyers:

Ann Henry


Testimonials

‘So responsive, approachable with a really great multidisciplinary team.’

‘Overall professionalism of the team, quality and thoroughness of advice.’

‘Strong hardworking team, good legal and commercial advice.’

Key clients

Sandoz


ReproMed


Ocuco


BlueDop Medical Group


Apposite Capital


Erisbeg


Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited/Norton (Waterford) Limited


Accord Healthcare


Bupa (Healthcare)


Latch Medical


DCC plc (Healthcare Division)


Linnaeus Group


Work highlights


  • Acted on behalf of Teva as the petitioner in relation to two sets of patents and SPC revocation proceedings issued by it against Bristol-Myers Squibb Ireland and Pfizer.