Ms Joanelle O'Cleirigh > Arthur Cox > Dublin, Ireland > Lawyer Profile

Arthur Cox fields a diverse public law practice which is well-versed in advising state, semi-state and other public bodies on matters ranging from high-profile inquiries and judicial reviews to the development of major energy and infrastructure projects. Another significant area of expertise lies in advising the Irish government on the establishment of schemes to address the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the housing crisis; Maura McLaughlin is a standout name in this regard. Joanelle O’Cleirigh leads the litigation and investigations side of the practice, while Aaron Boyle focuses on infrastructure and procurement. Kate O’Donohoe is also noted for her provision of advice to statutory bodies.

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.

Arthur Cox combines well-developed non-contentious and contentious insurance practices. The firm has continued to advise on a pipeline of cross-border M&A transactions, portfolio transfers and regulatory matters. In the contentious sphere, the firm has a fine record in professional indemnity, regulatory investigations and liability defence claims. Elizabeth Bothwell has an outstanding record in insurance M&A and portfolio transfers. Joanelle O’Cleirigh has a fine reputation in insurance disputes, coverage issues and policy interpretation. Litigation partners Richard Willis and Michael Twomey, along with financial regulation specialist Robert Cain, are also key figures in the team. Of counsel Stephen D’Ardis joined the firm from MetLife Europe to reinforce the team in 2022 and now plays a pivotal role on many of the firm’s key insurance matters.

Arthur Cox is a leader in high-stakes disputes work, frequently representing clients in cases heard in the Commercial list of the High Court. As a top firm in Ireland, it is regularly engaged in cross-border cases. It remains noted for banking and financial services, real estate, tax, and white-collar crime disputes, along with having a well-established investigations practice. ‘Always the best lawyer in the room,‘ Eve Mulconry heads the litigation, dispute resolution and investigations team, representing an impressive mix of domestic and international clients in a wide range of cases. Andy Lenny is also a hugely experienced litigator with a fine record in antitrust disputes, M&A disputes, shareholder disputes and a leader in regulatory investigations. Joanelle O’Cleirigh is co-head of the corporate crime team, while Keith Smith and Richard Willis are also key partners. The firm is awash with talent amongst the younger partners, of counsels and associates.