Firms in the Spotlight Insolvency and corporate restructuring

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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Insolvency and corporate restructuring in Ireland

A&L Goodbody LLP

A&L Goodbody LLP has a large team and a substantial client base that includes debtors, lenders and insolvency practitioners. It has continued to work on many of the largest insolvencies and restructurings in the market. Cross-border restructurings, liquidations, examinerships, receiverships and schemes of arrangement are all at the heart of the esteemed practice. The firm also frequently advises loan purchasers in connection the workout and restructuring of loan portfolios. David Baxter is head of the insolvency and restructuring team and is a big name in the sector. Mark Traynor and Marsha Coghlan are also key partners, along with emerging talent Brian O’Malley. Stephen Ahern is a rising star.

Practice head(s):

David Baxter


Other key lawyers:

Mark Traynor; Marsha Coghlan; Brian O’Malley; Stephen Ahern


Testimonials

‘Innovative, client-focused team working cohesively to achieve goals.’

‘Brian O’Malley and Stephen Ahern, top of their game and always willing to listen to and hear their clients.’

‘Commercially, technically capable and broad team, capable of handling all types of different restructuring and insolvency matters in and out of court. The team has a broad skill set which enables it to deal with all types of cases, including large, complex, multi-jurisdictional matters and the interaction of Irish law with overseas processes.’

Key clients

Endo International Public Limited Company


Spencer Dock Receivership


Kieran Wallace and Eamonn Richardson


Cerberus Capital Management


Teneo Restructuring Ireland


Interpath (Ireland) Limited


Barryroe Offshore Energy Plc


Work highlights


  • Advised Endo International and certain of its Irish affiliates on all aspects of Irish law related to the Chapter 11 of certain entities within the Endo group.
  • Acted as lead counsel to the joint liquidators (Teneo Restructuring Ireland) in respect of the liquidation of Russian state-owned aircraft and shipping leasing firms, GTLK Europe DAC and GTLK Europe Capital DAC.
  • Acted as lead adviser to the special liquidators of IBRC.

Arthur Cox

Arthur Cox has landed many of the prime engagements in the Irish insolvency and restructuring field. It represents a range of creditors, debtors, bondholders, insolvency practitioners, and financial investors. It continued to act for Mallinckrodt Group in connection with its US Chapter 11 proceedings and expected parallel examinership in Ireland. William Day is head of the restructuring and insolvency group, alongside John Donald, and both are at the forefront of the market. Promoted to of counsel in January 2023, Frances Flynn is a rising star, having worked on many of the firm’s top matters in recent years.

Practice head(s):

William Day


Other key lawyers:

John Donald; Frances Flynn; Philippa Pierse


Testimonials

Arthur Cox has deep restructuring and insolvency experience in the Irish market. They are a go-to firm for us in the jurisdiction. They have a wealth of experience working on large cases.

‘Willie Day is an institution in the market. We value his many years of experience and his team’s capabilities.’

‘Excellent team with quick response times and advice that is timely and balances risk and commercial considerations.’

Key clients

Mallinckrodt plc


Gibson Dunne & Crutcher LLP


FTX Cryptocurrency Group companies


Ares Capital Corporation


Grant Thornton


Avaya Holdings Corp


Central Bank of Ireland


Coralfin Limited


Resolute Advisory


Work highlights


  • Advised Mallinckrodt in relation to ongoing Chapter 11 proceedings commenced to implement a comprehensive circa $3.6bn financial and capital restructuring transaction, which it is envisaged will involve parallel examinership proceedings in Ireland.
  • Advised an ad hoc committee of the first lien lenders to Endo International in relation to all Irish aspects of the ongoing circa $8bn restructuring transaction implemented through Chapter 11 proceedings.
  • Advised Bank of Ireland (as secured lender) and Grant Thornton (as receivers) in relation to the ongoing receivership of Roadbridge Limited.

Mason Hayes & Curran LLP

Mason Hayes & Curran LLP has a tremendous record in insolvency and restructuring matters, including large-scale examinerships and out-of-court rescue processes. The team is also active in distressed asset and non-performing loan sales in Ireland. It advises a range of insolvency practitioners, creditors, debtors, distressed investors and other stakeholders in restructuring and insolvency engagements. Judith Riordan is an outstanding practitioner in corporate insolvency and related litigation, having further experience in out-of-court rescue processes. Maurice Phelan is head of the dispute resolution team and has an extensive record in contentious insolvency matters. Frank Flanagan is noted for loan portfolio sales.

Practice head(s):

Maurice Phelan


Other key lawyers:

Judith Riordan; Frank Flanagan; James Morrin


Testimonials

‘Judith Riordan is prime point of contact. Always responsive and willing to take a practical approach to all issues.’

‘Excellent advisors on insolvency and restructuring assignments. Clear and concise advice is always provided, with commercial impacts thoroughly thought through and very well considered. An excellent firm to have by your side on complex assignments and highly recommended.’

‘Judith Riordan, insolvency partner, goes the extra mile and is highly committed to successful outcomes. Dedicated practitioner who provides top quality advice that considers both legal and commercial impacts and is very much solutions-focused, innovates and is always available. Highly recommend Judith and her team.’

‘The MHC teams offers expert service with first-class delivery. Their advice balances risk, commercial acumen and technical legal points to deliver top-class service to achieve outcomes. The team are responsive and top quality to deal with.’

‘Judith Riordan and James Morrin are the go-to people for insolvency and restructuring advice. Approachable and contactable with a genuine passion for assisting their clients and delivering a quality service.’

‘The firm has a breath of service capability and is multi disciplined, which is both convenient and reassuring in dealing with a specific issue, which may have a number of distinct facets. ’

‘MHC insolvency team brings a mix of experience, commerciality and innovative thinking to complex problems. The team is very well supported by other areas of expertise around the firm as needed. ’

‘Maurice Phelan is a go-to insolvency lawyer in the Irish market and has a huge amount of experience in insolvency matters alongside his expertise in general litigation and dispute resolution.’

Key clients

Allied Irish Banks


BDO


EY


Kirby Healy


KPMG


Grant Thornton


McStay Luby


Friel Stafford


Bank of Ireland


Mazars


Work highlights


  • Advised David O’Connor, of BDO, as liquidator of the SIAC Group.
  • Advised OBI in successfully challenging a bankruptcy order and setting new legal precedent as a result, where the court recognises a duty of candour in debtor bankruptcy applications.

Matheson LLP

Matheson LLP is a significant force in contentious and non-contentious corporate restructuring and insolvency. The firm is close to a number of key insolvency practitioners, along with major creditors, investment funds and distressed investors. It has continued to represent clients in headline examinerships, liquidations and out of court rescue processes; this includes acting for an ad hoc committee of holders of guaranteed unsecured notes in connection with the Mallinckrodt Chapter 11 proceedings and subsequent examinership. Tony O’Grady is at the pinnacle of the market, with Brendan Colgan and Julie Murphy-O’Connor also having excellent reputations. Kevin Gahan has a blossoming reputation and is very much amongst the team’s ‘stand out performers‘.

Practice head(s):

Julie Murphy-O’Connor; Brendan Colgan; Tony O’Grady


Other key lawyers:

Kevin Gahan


Testimonials

‘Very experienced team. Large practice depth to call upon.’

‘Kevin Gahan, Tony O’Grady and Brendan Colgan – all standout performers.’

‘Matheson has what appears to me to be the largest and best international legal practice in Ireland, it therefore has some of the best lawyers and great depth and size to its practice.’

‘Tony O’Grady, Julie Murphy O’Connor, Brendan Colgan and Kevin Gahan are stand out insolvency and litigation partners who are very clued in, reliable and knowledgeable. They have an ability to cut through complexity and achieve good outcomes.’

‘Excellent, very commercial, pragmatic and bring solutions to the table.’

‘Brendan Colgan is a leading insolvency lawyer in the Irish market, always available to advise on tricky situations with commercially minded solutions.’

Key clients

PWC


EY


KPMG


Deloitte


Grant Thornton


BDO


Kroll


Mazars


(Azets Ireland) Baker Tilly


RSM


Evelyn Partners


Russell Brennan Keane


McStay Luby


Goldman Sachs


CarVal Investors


Oaktree


Bank of Ireland


AIB


KBC Bank Ireland


Interpath Advisory


Teneo


Work highlights


  • Advised an ad hoc committee of holders of guaranteed unsecured notes in respect of the Mallinckrodt chapter 11 and subsequent examinership.
  • Advised Vevan Unlimited Company on its successful shareholder-led petition to appoint Kieran Wallace of Interpath Advisory as examiner to Barryroe Offshore Energy plc.
  • Advised Shane McCarthy of KPMG as examiner of the Silverpail Group.

McCann FitzGerald LLP

McCann FitzGerald LLP‘s commitment to the insolvency and restructuring field, driven by a group of specialist partners and associates, has landed it a prestigious client base and an impressive record in major contentious and non-contentious matters. The team has broad sectoral coverage, earning further recognition for cases linked to sanctions imposed on the Russian state following its invasion of Ukraine. Head of the dispute resolution and litigation group, Michael Murphy, is an outstanding practitioner, having represented clients in many of the headline restructurings in Ireland over recent years. Lisa Smyth is another leading lawyer, along with David O’Dea, who has an emerging reputation.

Practice head(s):

Michael Murphy


Other key lawyers:

Lisa Smyth; David O’Dea; Aine Murphy


Testimonials

‘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.’

Work highlights


William Fry LLP

William Fry LLP has a flourishing practice in domestic and cross-border insolvencies and restructurings. It has landed prime engagements in numerous multi-billion-dollar restructurings and insolvencies, including US Chapter 11 plans. Fergus Doorly has an established reputation, having advised clients in some of the biggest recent matters in the market, thanks to his connections to senior restructuring practitioners and other international law firms. Ruairi Rynn and Craig Sowman are also key partners. Consultant Barbara Galvin is a rising star, having joined the firm from Eversheds Sutherland in November 2022.

Practice head(s):

Fergus Doorly


Other key lawyers:

Ruairi Rynn; Craig Sowman; Niamh Cacciato; Alice O’Connor; Barbara Galvin


Testimonials

‘Tier 1 firm with none of the arrogance or ego. Really grounded people operating right at the top of their profession. As a client, the level of service is superior to anyone in the market. They are my go-to firm.’

‘Fergus Doorly – gentleman and hall of fame candidate. Unflappable in the greatest of crises. Incredibly astute and thorough. A pleasure to deal with. Ruairi Rynn – top of his profession. Really strong at getting to the route of the issue. Top class client engagement. Craig Sowman – tremendously calm and incredibly knowledgeable. Great ability at ensuring matters are moved on but also that the detail is considered and planned for.’

‘Really good firm and deep experience in the sector.’

‘Fergus Doorly, Craig Sowman and Ruairi Rynn – excellent and very experienced insolvency solicitors.’

‘Responsive, practical and strong technically. Strong team and not just reliant on one individual.’

‘Affable, professional, strong technically, trustworthy and unquestionable integrity.’

Key clients

Interpath


KPMG


EY


PwC


Azets


Grant Thornton


Deloitte


Kroll


RSM Ireland


Kirby Healy Chartered Accountants


Teneo


Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.


Bank of Ireland


National Asset Management Agency


Attestor Capital


Fitzwalter Capital


Nordic Aviation Capital


Pointwell Limited


Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA and related companies


Montrose Global Aircraft Leasing Limited and subsidiaries


Weatherford International Plc.


Naval Group S.A.


Eurosurgical Limited (In Liquidation)


Work highlights


  • Advised an ad hoc group of bondholders, led by Attestor Capital, on securing orders for the liquidation of Russian state-owned and internationally sanctioned GTLK Europe Capital DAC and its parent, GTLK Europe DAC.
  • Advised Nordic Aviation Capital DAC in respect of its $6.8bn debt across various lender silos and in numerous jurisdictions.
  • Advised M&G Investments and Michael McAteer and Nicholas O’Dwyer of Grant Thornton (in their roles as receivers) on the security enforcement against Ronan Group Real Estate.

Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard has a dedicated corporate recovery group, led by the highly-rated Doug Smith. It has made a further impact in cross-border schemes of arrangement, alongside its traditional diet of examinerships, liquidations, receiverships and bankruptcies. It represents most of the accountants that undertake insolvency engagements in the Irish market and acts for many of the banks that operate in the non-performing loan portfolios field. Personal bankruptcy is another forte. Legal director Jonathan Lynch is another senior member of the team. Terry Leggett has retired.

Practice head(s):

Doug Smith


Other key lawyers:

Jonathan Lynch


Testimonials

‘Very experienced team.’

‘Doug Smith is a very experienced and knowledgeable insolvency and corporate restructuring lawyer. ’

‘Very strong all-round team.’

‘Doug Smith – excellent solicitor and very approachable.’

Work highlights


Beauchamps LLP

Beauchamps LLP‘s insolvency and corporate restructuring team is at the heart of the firm and one of its most prominent practices. Somewhat uniquely, the firm covers large cross-border restructurings through to SME insolvencies and personal insolvency applications; Clíodhna Walsh specialises in personal insolvencies and has been at the forefront of the Small Company Administrative Rescue Process (SCARP). Aviation, retail and hospitality are amongst its primary sectors. Barry Cahir is a highly reputed practitioner in the market, while Simon Murphy continues to emerge as a strong specialist in this area.

Practice head(s):

Barry Cahir


Other key lawyers:

Simon Murphy; Clíodhna Walsh; Colm O’Keeffe


Testimonials

‘The partners in this firm take a very personal approach to dealing with their clients. Partners are very approachable. Certain partners have also demonstrated an ability to work on high volume projects.’

‘I have had very good experiences with Colm O’Keeffe and Simon Murphy – both are partners. In both cases I have been impressed with the personal approach and the ease of dealing with them. Both have gone above and beyond in terms of assisting and answering questions.’

‘Beauchamps have a superior knowledge of Personal Insolvency (PI) and use stronger counsel than the other firms that we use.’

‘Clíodhna Walsh is knowledgeable and helpful and acts in our clients’ best interests.’

‘The restructuring team at Beauchamps are a pleasure to deal with. They are solutions focused, efficient and responsive. We have engaged them to deliver some complex restructuring assignments on our behalf and would highly recommend their services.’

‘I have worked with Barry Cahir on several restructuring assignments. His expertise, attention to detail and commitment to our files was always exceptional.’

‘Beauchamps insolvency team is top notch, bringing strong commercial acumen alongside excellent technical legal knowledge.’

‘Barry is a leading insolvency lawyer in the Irish market, who has a strong personal brand and brings good commercial solutions to complex problems. A go-to insolvency lawyer.’

Key clients

AIB Group


Aiden Murphy of Crowe


Cerberus


CityJet DAC


David O’Connor of BDO


Declan Taite of Kroll


DigitalBridge Group Inc (formerly Colony Capital Inc)


Ian Barrett of KPMG


Everyday Finance DAC


Flairline Fashions


KBC Bank Ireland plc


Ken Tyrrell of PwC


Nicholas Wood, Grant Thornton UK


Colm Dolan, Grant Thornton Ireland


Oaktree Capital Management


Paddy O’Connell of RSM Ireland


Pepper Finance Corporation Ireland DAC


Tom O’Brien of Mazars


Ulster Bank Ireland DAC


Tom Murray, Friel Stafford


Mars Capital Finance DAC


Dengrove DAC


Nicholas Stuart Wood


Goldman Sachs


Link ASI


Damien Murran, Teneo


Theya Lingerie Limited, Grant Thornton Ireland


U2 Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted for Theya Lingerie Limited in one of the first utilisations of SCARP in the country.
  • Acted for Dengrove DAC, a subsidiary of Fortress Investment Group LLC, in relation to a dispute over the City Arts site, recently sold for over €30m.
  • Acted for Tom Murray of Friel Stafford as the joint liquidator of of Boxer Logistics Limited (In Liquidation).

ByrneWallace LLP

ByrneWallace LLP has a robust insolvency and restructuring practice, achieving further growth in examinerships, liquidations and in SCARP engagements. The firm is also active in representing private equity players in the non-performing loan (NPL) market, including the workout of NPLs and receivership litigation. John Fitzgerald has led the team for nearly ten years, having previously specialised in banking and property transactions. Sean Neville was promoted to of counsel in 2023. The firm also fields a number of dispute resolution specialists that are regularly engaged in insolvency litigation.

Practice head(s):

John Fitzgerald


Other key lawyers:

Sean Neville; Alex Henderson; Ailbhe Hennessy


Testimonials

‘John Fitzgerald and his team provide excellent advice, which is always well considered and succinct. The team is very responsive, and advice given is comprehensive and accessible. In addition, I find the team to be pragmatic and provide a holistic view on the risks associated with scenario.’

‘John Fitzgerald is a trusted adviser. He is cognisant of the role of an insolvency practitioner and delivers prudent yet pragmatic advice. John makes himself available to ensure that advice is provided promptly. I have no hesitation in recommending John and team.’

‘ByrneWallace have an experienced insolvency team who are practical and responsive.’

‘Sean Neville has worked on a number of different receivership cases with our firm. He has a pragmatic and solution-oriented approach to resolving issues and is always very responsive when we have queries or questions. We have had a number of injunction applications successfully overturned at very short notice with Sean’s advice and assistance, which results in a much better outcome for our clients.’

‘I have been dealing in particular with Sean Neville on various insolvency cases. Compared with other firms, I find Sean and his team extremely prompt in reacting to all queries, efficient in terms of meeting deadlines and very proactive.’

‘The individuals I have been dealing with include Sean Neville, Alex Henderson and Ailbhe Hennessy. All of above have demonstrated a very comprehensive knowledge of their briefs and are extremely proactive in dealing with the cases.’

Key clients

Myles Kirby, Kirby Healy


Work highlights


  • Advised the secured creditor on the examinership of Nutweave Limited, trading as Bombay Pantry and ChatandCo.
  • Advised Myles Kirby as court-appointed liquidator in relation to numerous asset swelling claims against directors of a company wound up by a Court Order and a connected company.
  • Advised a market leading engineering firm in relation to onerous contracts and restructuring options.

Dillon Eustace

Dillon Eustace has a fine record in domestic and cross-border insolvencies, particularly examinerships, often representing insolvency practitioners from the major accountancy firms that are acting as liquidators. It also has notable expertise in advising domestic and foreign secured creditors on security enforcement and distressed asset recovery. Over recent years, it has achieved a series of major aviation restructuring engagements and aviation sector cases relating to the sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. A dedicated fraud and asset recovery team within the department lends additional weight to the firm’s offering. Personal insolvency is another forte. Jamie Ensor is an experienced partner and Shane Harron is a rising star.

Practice head(s):

Jamie Ensor; Conal Keane


Other key lawyers:

Shane Harron; Peter Bredin


Testimonials

‘Really strong technical advice delivered in a responsive manner with appropriate commercial decision making script. Very strong in looking-around-the-corner for issues that may arise.’

‘Jamie Ensor. Technically and commercially one of the most astute professionals in insolvency. He knows exactly how to play his hand for his client. Pleasure to deal with. ’

‘Excellent team. Highly skilled. Great communicators. Our preferred Dublin counsel.’

‘Very knowledgeable and experienced in the area of corporate restructurings. The team is as good as any of the top-tier firms in the market. ’

‘Jamie Ensor is one of the top ‘go-to’ lawyers in the area of corporate restructuring and insolvency. Jamie is highly experienced and responsive. His client relationship management and communication is excellent. ’

‘Full service firm with a particularly strong insolvency and corporate restructuring practice.’

‘Jamie Ensor (Partner) – commercially savvy and always dispenses well reasoned and practical advice. Shane Harron (Senior Associate) – handles complex litigation well and is always on top of the paperwork. A really good drafter.’

‘We have dealt with Jamie Ensor on a complex and novel receivership. Jamie is highly experienced in insolvency matters and provides practical and timely solutions to issues. He is very responsive and is able to distil difficult legal issues into key points to ensure client decisions are made much easier.’

Key clients

BOC Aviation


Declan Taite, Kroll Ireland


Mars Capital


Partners Group (Switzerland)


Balbec


AIG (New York)


MUFG Bank


C. Hoare & Co., bank (London)


Bespoke Trustees Limited


AIB


Recaro Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KG


Mabanaft Scandinavia A/S


Contrarian Funds LLC


Credit Suisse


BNY Mellon


Deutsche Bank Trust Company America


PwC


NAMA


Mazars (Tom O’Brien)


E&Y


Deloitte (David van Dessel and James Anderson)


Grant Thornton


RSM Ireland


Lapithus


Crowe Ireland (Aiden Murphy)


Azets (formerly Baker Tilly)


Pepper Asset Servicing


Smith & Williamson


McStay Luby


KPMG


Aidan Garcia Diaz


John Healy (Kirby Healy)


Myles Kirby (Kirby Healy)


Martin Ferris and Patrick McCoy


Tanager DAC


Seaconview DAC


Havbell DAC


Havbell No. 2 DAC


Work highlights


  • Advised BOC Aviation Limited on obtaining worldwide freezing orders against a Russian owned cargo-airline and logistics company.
  • Advised Myles Kirby, as liquidator, in respect of a VAT fraud claim arising from the importation of high-end luxury vehicles.
  • Acted for Dessie Morrow, the examiner in the Bombay Pantry examinership.

Eversheds Sutherland

Eversheds Sutherland has a wide-ranging practice, with an especially strong record in examinerships and liquidations, along with restructurings and loan portfolio transactions. The central insolvency and restructuring team is backed by a substantial dispute resolution team that is frequently engaged in mortgage enforcement proceedings and receivership appointments. Norman Fitzgerald is a senior litigator with a background in insolvency and restructurings, including examinerships and liquidations. Neil O’Mahony and Graham Kenny are also key partners.

Practice head(s):

Norman Fitzgerald; Neil O’Mahony


Other key lawyers:

Graham Kenny


Testimonials

‘I find working with Graham Kenny to be extremely beneficial due to his ability to tell it as he sees it. His ability to tell mutual clients the pros and cons of their case in simple understandable terms gives everyone confidence that they are using the right expert and getting the right advice. ’

‘Graham Kenny proved to be extremely knowledgable and beyond competent, consistently outmanoeuvring the opposing legal team. Additionally, he provided an often absent human element, giving reassurance during a difficult time and being available at short notice.’

‘Norman Fitzgerald is hands on and always available to talk through issues.’

‘Graham Kenny is the principal reason we use Eversheds Sutherland so consistently. In the niche area of insolvency and corporate recovery, there is no more knowledgeable or assured advisor in our field. I have worked closely with him on many cases, some involving protracted conflict and I have always found him to be a rock in our corner.’

‘As a specialist insolvency and corporate recovery practice, we work regularly with Graham Kenny and his team at Eversheds Sutherland. From the beginning, the team have shown a genuine understanding of our requirements and have provided us with a commensurate service. Throughout the team, the engagement and communication are beyond reproach. All team members possess a deep knowledge of their specialist area, allied to sensible real-world experience which makes their advice so valuable.’

‘Graham Kenny has an exceptional mastery of the technical aspects of corporate recovery and insolvency issues. He has an unusually strong ability to quickly assimilate very detailed cases and to apply this to strategy. Trust in the character and ability of our legal advisor is essential when engaging in potentially fractious legal conflicts. His professional advice, which we rely on hugely, is borne from experience and an unrivalled ability to read people and situations well.’

‘Neil O’Mahony is a highly experienced litigator with an excellent commercial sense. He works tirelessly for his clients.’

‘Graham Kenny’s legal knowledge I find to be fantastic but what sets him and his practice apart is his ability to put this into real commercial results. Understanding the law is one thing, actually applying this to the real world to get a result is something different. Something Graham and the Eversheds practice do extremely well. A go-to guy.’

Key clients

Citibank


Insolvency Service of Ireland


KPMG


Oaktree


Allied Irish Banks p.l.c.


Bank of Ireland


BDO


Cairn Homes


Deloitte


Deutsche Bank


Ernst & Young


Work highlights


  • Acted for the examiner in the first examinership under the new EU (preventive restructuring) regulations 2022 (Black Lough Construction Limited).
  • Acted for Aidan Garcia as official liquidator for Carroll Ryan Pharmaceuticals.
  • Advised the Insolvency Services of Ireland in relation to bankruptcy and personal insolvency matters, investigations into non-disclosure of assets by debtors, and representation of the ISI in multiple court applications in relation to bankrupt estates and personal insolvency arrangements.

Maples Group

Maples Group has an established insolvency and corporate restructuring practice, best known for contentious matters and for its representation of insolvency practitioners in big-ticket liquidations, examinerships and receiverships. The Dublin team has a fine record in both domestic and cross-border matters and is also noted for advising private equity funds on acquiring portfolios of distressed loans. ‘Commercially savvy and technically strong' Robin McDonnell heads the dispute resolution and insolvency team. ‘Standout performer’ Karole Cuddihy provides further senior-level support.

Practice head(s):

Robin McDonnell


Other key lawyers:

Karole Cuddihy; Mary Gill


Testimonials

‘Very responsive.’

‘Robin McDonnell is commercially savvy and technically strong.’

‘The team has a great asset management focus, which means it is well placed to advise on complex insolvency and corporate restructuring matters in the financial services, securitised debt and asset leasing sectors.’

‘The individuals in the team have great responsiveness and access to in-depth industry knowledge when required. Robin McDonnell, partner, leads a very strong team supported by Karole Cuddihy, partner, who is a standout performer. Mary Gill is a new joiner, a strong associate who brings excellent client service.’

‘Maples are a great firm and provide a top service. They are very experienced insolvency litigators and advisors. They have a broad and experienced team. I really enjoy working with them.’

‘Robin McDonnell is one of Ireland’s top insolvency lawyers. He has a wide range of clients including practitioners and large financial institutions. He is very pleasant to work with, even in stressful situations, and his calm demeanour exudes confidence in the case and the outcome. He is respected and admired by colleagues, which helps in negotiations and settlements.’

Key clients

Michael McAteer and Paul McCann of Grant Thornton, in their capacity as the Joint Official Liquidators of Treasury Holdings and 15 related companies


Official Committee of Opioid Claimants of Endo International plc


Pepper Asset Servicing


Myles Kirby, in his capacity as liquidator of McArthur Group Limited


Freddie White of Grant Thornton, in his capacity as the Liquidator of Enterprise Insurance Company plc


Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.


John Healy, in his capacity as liquidator of Altada Technology Solutions Limited (In Liquidation)


Aengus Burns of Grant Thornton in his capacity as liquidator of JACC Sports Distribution Limited (In Liquidation)


Work highlights


RDJ LLP

RDJ LLP‘s ‘regional spread and stronger national presence’ provide it with the resources and connections to fuel a flourishing practice, acting for a range of insolvency practitioners, financial institutions, debtors, directors and other creditors. It remains active in examinerships, liquidations and receiverships, and has made a further impact in SCARP matters, along with the sale of distressed assets. Ashling Walsh leads the insolvency and restructuring team. Darryl Broderick is noted for enforcement actions for banks and other creditors, along with insolvency-related litigation. Michael Quinlan is a ‘very smart insolvency lawyer and litigator'.

Practice head(s):

Ashling Walsh


Other key lawyers:

Darryl Broderick; Michael Quinlan


Testimonials

‘Very strong from a regulatory and policy perspective, which is an under-serviced sector of restructuring.’

‘Michael Quinlan. Really authentic and genuine. Brilliant regulatory and policy experience which differentiates RDJ from other firms. Great to work with.’

‘Committed and quality of service and advice.’

‘Ashling Walsh, Cork Office (partner), excellent service, attention to detail and support.’

‘RDJ has a unique ability to move files around the most appropriately placed partners in the firm and maintain very strong client service. It differs in its regional spread and stronger national presence than other firms. Ashling Walsh and Michael Quinlan lead a very strong insolvency and restructuring team.’

‘Ashling Walsh is a pragmatic and strong operator with very deep insolvency technical knowledge, excellent work ethic and market presence. Michael Quinlan is a very smart insolvency lawyer and litigator who has a strong presence in cross border litigation.’

‘RDJ are quickly becoming one of the first firms I engage on a difficult insolvency assignment. They are responsive, hardworking and very knowledgeable. I really rate their lawyers.’

‘Michael Quinlan is a great lawyer. He is calm and considered but not afraid to take a risk when it is the right thing to do. He has provided great support to me in contentious high-risk litigation, and I really admire him for that.’

Key clients

Silver Dairy Ventures Limited


Beechbrook Capital LLP and Deloitte


Structural Steelwork Limited


George Maloney


Pepper Finance Corporation DAC


National Asset Management Agency


Azets Ireland


Kirby Healy


EY and Pepper Finance Corporation Limited


Marco Polo Operations Limited


Irish Bank Resolution Corporation


Work highlights


  • Advised Silver Dairy Ventures in relation to the acquisition of Silverpail Dairy (Ireland) Unlimited Company and Havana Company Unlimited Company, which were both in examinership.
  • Advised Structural Steelworks in relation to the Irish examinership regime and, in particular, the options available to it arising from the contractual arrangements it has with Mac Interiors Limited.
  • Acted for Myles Kirby as liquidator of Irish old & Silver Bullion Limited in multi-faceted proceedings against the former director including successful applications seeking a worldwide freezing order, disqualification proceedings and asset recovery proceedings.

BHSM LLP

BHSM LLP has extensive experience in receiverships, liquidations, examinerships, restructurings and asset recovery. The firm continues to act for a large number of insolvency practitioners in major liquidations and also frequently advises distressed companies and their directors. Managing partner Mark Homan leads the insolvency and restructuring team, which includes Sarah O’Toole, another experienced figure in liquidations, receiverships and examinerships.

Practice head(s):

Mark Homan; Brian Baily


Other key lawyers:

Sarah O’Toole


Testimonials

‘As a reasonably newly established firm, BHSM has gained a good reputation in the market in the area of restructuring and insolvency with some really good clients.’

‘Commercial, technically strong and responsive. Sarah O’Toole and Mark Homan are the standout partners.’

‘High level of responsiveness.’

‘Mark Homan – very responsive and pragmatic.’

‘The number one reason that I would strongly recommend BHSM LLP to any of my contacts is because of their superb client service allied to peerless technical knowledge and experience.’

‘I have worked with Sarah O’Toole and Mark Homan for a number of years, and I have found their knowledge, experience and support to be far superior to any other legal firm that I have worked with.’

‘We have found the team flexible and responsive to our needs and willing to invest some time in looking at potential mutual opportunities.’

‘We have dealt mostly with Sarah O’Toole. Sarah is very knowledgeable in the field of insolvency, very responsive and available and gives strong advice.’

Key clients

Myles Kirby, Liquidator


Tom Murray, Liquidator


Barry Donohue, Liquidator


Aiden Murphy, Liquidator


John Foley, Liquidator


Tony McBride, Liquidator


Micheal Leydon, Liquidator


Grayson Buckley, Liquidator


Work highlights


  • Advised the directors on the process of winding up Joe Lynch Musical Instruments Limited.
  • Advised the joint liquidators of M&P Walls Limited (in liquidation) in relation to various construction contract-related claims.
  • Advised Pro-duct Ventilation Limited in respect of pre-liquidation matters.

Dentons Ireland

Dentons Ireland has a major focus on insolvency and corporate restructuring. It has close links to a multitude of insolvency practitioners and financial investors in insolvency and restructuring engagements. The Dublin team has a fine record in domestic and cross-border matters, with Gareth Steen and newly promoted partner Gemma Freeman specialising in this area.

Practice head(s):

Gareth Steen


Other key lawyers:

Gemma Freeman


Work highlights


Fieldfisher

Fieldfisher has a dedicated insolvency and restructuring practice that frequently acts for insolvency practitioners in liquidations, receiverships and examinerships. It is also on the panel of legal advisers for the Insolvency Service of Ireland. The Dublin team is closely linked to domestic insolvencies and cross-border engagements. Mark Woodcock leads the team and has a long history in the area.

Practice head(s):

Mark Woodcock


Other key lawyers:

Ciara Gilroy


Testimonials

‘Mark Woodcock: very responsive and a very good negotiator.’

‘A very competent team which has benefited significantly from its incorporation into Fieldfisher.’

‘Mark Woodcock is the standout performer in the team. The brains and, where necessary, the brawn behind the firm’s presence in the market.’

Key clients

Official Assignee as part of the Insolvency Service of Ireland (ISI)


BBL Brockdorff & Partner


Subway Group


Iceland Group


Deloitte Ireland


Start Mortgages DAC


Somers, Murphy and Earl, Chartered Accountants


RSM, Chartered Accountants


The National Asset Management Agency (NAMA)


BDO LLP


Friel Stafford, Chartered Accountants


The Bank of Ireland


Azets


Mazars


Iceland Group UK


NAMA


KPMG


Resolut Advisory


Work highlights


  • Instructed by Justus von Buchwaldt of BBL Brockdorff & Partner in his capacity as German Insolvency Practitioner appointed over a large multi-jurisdictional international property investment company in relation to creditor’s claims in excess of €500 million and purported security held by Irish entities, which are also in liquidation.
  • Instructed by James Anderson of Deloitte Ireland as appointed receiver in defending multiple injunctive applications and plenary proceedings challenging the validity of security and his appointment as receiver and asserting claims for adverse possession.
  • Acted for Iceland UK Group in its capacity as a creditor, franchisor and guarantor in respect of the examinership of its Irish franchisee, Metron Stores Limited.

Hayes Solicitors LLP

Hayes Solicitors LLP frequently lands major engagements in the insolvency and restructuring field. It advises a range of insolvency practitioners acting as liquidators and receivers, hedge funds and loan portfolio acquisition vehicles, pillar banks and corporate debtors. The firm is also active in the SCARP segment. Managing partner Joe O’Malley is an established figure in the market, particularly in contentious matters. Jeremy Erwin is another senior insolvency and restructuring specialist, along with Cian Clinch.

Practice head(s):

Joe O’Malley


Other key lawyers:

Jeremy Erwin; Cian Clinch; Michael Kelly


Testimonials

‘Subject matter expertise. Availability and response times. Commercial and pragmatic. Presented to wider team on an interesting and complex topic.’

‘Skilled practitioners with ability to communicate with lay persons to ensure complex matters understood. Ease of access with speedy responses. In particular, Jeremy Erwin and Michael Kelly have proved to be valuable partners on difficult cases and in addition proactively volunteered to present to wider team on an interesting and complex topic.’

‘Excellent firm and team.’

‘Jeremy Erwin and Joe O’Malley. Very high-quality solicitors.’

‘Hayes have a superb insolvency team. They are currently acting in my most difficult case and they have done a fantastic job. They are diligent and experienced. They are very receptive to the client’s needs and are accessible with excellent turnaround time. I cannot speak highly enough about their service levels.’

Michael Kelly is a great lawyer. He is a pleasure to work with and is very knowledgeable. He listens to the client and gives very sound advice. Joe O’Malley is very experienced. He is very good on litigation tactics, and he always looks ahead for pitfalls.’

Key clients

AIB


Azets (formerly Baker Tilly)


Bank of Ireland


Cerberus/Promontoria


Country Manor Hotels Limited


Deloitte


Duff & Phelps


Everyday Finance DAC


Grant Thornton


InvoiceFair


JW Accountants


Kirby Healy Chartered Accountants


KPMG


LCM Capital Partners


Mars Capital


Mazars


NAMA


Pepper Finance Corporation (Ireland) DAC


PwC


Smith & Williamson (now Evelyn)


Work highlights


  • Acted for the liquidator of MUT 103 Limited (in liquidation), one of the largest liquidations in the state, which arises from investments into Dolphin Trust.
  • Acted for JW Accountants as process adviser in the successful rescue of the widely known Irish Fairy Door Company.
  • Acted for LCM in the acquisition of a portfolio of loans from AIB.

Lavelle Partners

Lavelle Partners is highly rated in the insolvency and restructuring sphere. The firm is best known for its work in contentious matters and representing insolvency practitioners as liquidators. It is also recognised for acting for distressed companies and directors. Founding and managing partner Michael Lavelle has an impressive history in liquidations, receiverships and examinerships. Ciarán Leavy provides further senior talent at partner level.

Practice head(s):

Michael Lavelle


Other key lawyers:

Ciarán Leavy; Dermot McClean


Testimonials

‘The team at Lavelle Partners are innovative and helpful in every way, from the point of contact to the final draft of work completed. Always looking for the best way forward.’

‘Professional and great listeners, a real solution-based practice, saving time.’

‘The partners in the firm are commercial, attentive, reactive, approachable and highly knowledgeable. Also, inventive and can be formidable opponents.’

‘Michael Lavelle – hugely knowledgeable, very well respected and a great ally to have on your side.’

‘Dermot McClean – commercial, inventive and thorough.’

‘Lavelle Partners are one of the top Irish firms for contentious insolvency and litigation. They are one of the first firms I contact when I get a difficult liquidation. They have achieved excellent results for me in High Court actions in recent years and I really rate their input.’

‘Michael Lavelle has been a top insolvency lawyer for years. He has a wealth of experience and legal expertise. He is excellent on litigation strategy and tactics.’

‘Dermot McClean is an excellent lawyer. He is considered and calm in litigation which is a great attribute.’

Key clients

A group of 25 investors in Solar 21


Work highlights


  • Acted for a group of 25 investors in Solar 21 in the Commercial Court to protect their best interests in respect of proposed Schemes of Arrangement for the Solar 21 companies, EFW Renewable Energy Limited and EFW Renewable Energy (Ireland) Limited.

LK Shields Solicitors LLP

LK Shields Solicitors LLP is an authority in contentious receiverships and liquidations. It acts for many of the most prominent insolvency practitioners in Ireland. It is also increasingly active in advising directors and other officeholders of distressed companies, along with creditors of distressed companies. Jill Callanan is head of the litigation and dispute resolution team, along with the corporate insolvency and restructuring group. Clare Dowling is another senior figure in liquidations, receiverships and examinerships.

Practice head(s):

Jill Callanan


Other key lawyers:

Clare Dowling


Testimonials

‘Very approachable and provide expert advice in a measured and effective way.’

‘Jill Callanan is absolutely excellent to deal with. Immediately clear that she is vastly experienced in the area of insolvency and her advice is always spot on.’

‘Access to a wide range of expertise.’

‘Accessible and expert advice.’

Key clients

John McStay and Tom Rogers of McStay Luby Chartered Accountants


James Anderson, Deloitte


Veon Limited and the directors of the Irish Forestry Fund Companies (in liquidation)


James Butler, GBW Accountants


Jim Luby, McStay Luby Chartered Accountants


Garrett McCarthy, Hugh McCarthy Accountants


Aengus Burns, Grant Thornton


Chevron Global Energy Inc


Declan Taite, Kroll


Retail Group UK 2020 Limited, and the directors of IR Retail 2022 Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted for John McStay and Tom Rogers of McStay Luby in their roles as provisional liquidators and then official liquidators of Aluminium Architectural Limited.
  • Acted for Veon Limited, Trevor McHugh, Paul Brosnan (former directors of the Irish Forestry Fund Companies which are in liquidation) and IFS Forestry Services Limited in relation to proceedings brought by the preference shareholders of the Irish Forestry Fund companies.
  • Acted for Garret McCarthy (Hugh McCarthy & Associates) as the liquidator of C&F Automotive (Ireland) Limited in proceedings before the Irish courts seeking recovery of a substantial debt from its German subsidiary.

Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP has a primary emphasis on contentious insolvency matters, though it has broader expertise in corporate restructuring. The team has represented clients before the courts in a series of insolvency proceedings and has an established record in liquidations and examinerships. The ‘incredibly brightZara West is a litigator with a strong focus on financial services litigation and insolvency. Ann Lalor provides further expertise in corporate restructurings.

Practice head(s):

Zara West


Other key lawyers:

Ann Lalor


Testimonials

‘Hard working, knowledgeable, with their finger on the pulse of the Irish insolvency sector.’

‘Zara West – incredibly bright with great subject matter knowledge and a calm manner.’

‘We have had to use the services of the Pinsents team in this area and we found them to be excellent. The partner had a well-informed team, who were always on hand to deal with our issues and queries at any time of the day or evening. In what was a pressurised time for us, they were professional, knowledgeable and understanding, whilst always giving good and timely advice.’

Key clients

SIAC Group


Rolls-Royce PLC


RRPF Engine Leasing Limited


EY


Royal London Insurance DAC


Work highlights


  • Acted for the SIAC Group, providing ongoing advice concerning insolvency options, including petitioning the High Court to place SIAC Construction Limited, SIAC Roofing and Cladding Limited and SIAC Holdings Ireland Limited into insolvent liquidation and seeking the appointment of provisional liquidators in two group companies.
  • Advised Royal London Insurance DAC on a compromise with its with-profits policyholders permitting the early release of the inherited estate built up in the relevant Royal London sub-fund pursuant to an Irish law governed scheme of arrangement.
  • Acted for Colin Farquharson and Luke Charleton of EY as liquidators of Spicers (Ireland) Limited (In Liquidation) and providing ongoing advice throughout the liquidation.

Walkers

Walkers is best known for creditor-side engagements, particularly for financial institutions, private equity houses and syndicated lenders. It also represents a number of insolvency practitioners. The Dublin team’s integration into the global firm makes it particularly well-equipped for cross-border insolvencies and restructurings. It has continued to advise on a number of big-ticket insolvency and restructuring cases in the aviation industry. William Greensmyth is an emerging talent in the field.

Practice head(s):

William Greensmyth


Other key lawyers:

Keith Hyland


Testimonials

‘Will Greensmyth leads a very strong insolvency and dispute resolution team, with excellent presence and experience in the asset management and internationally traded financial services sector.’

‘Will Greensmyth, partner, brings in-depth insolvency knowledge and practical solutions. Keith Hyland, associate, has excellent business awareness and great client responsiveness.’

‘Will and his team go above and beyond to provide quality legal advice quickly and efficiently. The Walkers corporate restructuring and insolvency team always have a commercial view on matters, consider all the potential risks and give their clients the assurance that the matter in hand is being dealt with properly.’

‘William Greensmyth is an excellent lawyer and his approach to a matter is always well considered, legally accurate and commercial.’

Key clients

Myles Kirby, Kirby Healy


Ian Barrett KPMG


Financial Services Compensation Scheme


Aengus Burns, Grant Thornton


Saudi Arabian Airlines


AFG Aviation


Saltchuk Aviation


Hertz Global Holdings


NordLB


Swissport Group SARL


Work highlights


  • Advised the joint liquidators of the Pamela Scott fashion chain, which included 24 high end fashion stores throughout Ireland.
  • Advised the UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme on a High court application by the liquidators of CBL Insurance Ireland Limited in respect of how claims under insurance contracts should be treated in a liquidation of an insurance undertaking.
  • Advised Saltchuk Aviation on remedying legacy issues linked to dissolved aircraft owning entities via an application to the Irish Commercial Court.