Mr John Whelan > A&L Goodbody LLP > DUBLIN 1, Ireland > Lawyer Profile

The technology practice at A&L Goodbody LLP handles the full gamut of commercial technology issues from customer, outsourcing, and SaaS agreements, to data protection regulatory matters. Practice head John Cahir heads the team and has particular expertise in advising technology and pharmaceutical companies on the protection of IP, as well as experience in representing clients in high-profile IP disputes. John Whelan assists clients with both contentious and non-contentious matters, while Andrew Sheridan, Aideen Burke, and Chris Bollard further bolster the team with specialist knowledge across commercial contracts, data protection, and intellectual property.

The data protection practice at A&L Goodbody LLP is a ‘go-to firm in Ireland for all matters relating to cyber security and data privacy’; it frequently handles mandates surrounding regulatory compliance, data breaches, and cyber security incidents. The practice is headed by privacy and data protection expert John Cahir, who is lauded as ‘excellent and extremely authoritative’ and is well-versed in handling domestic and cross-border projects. John Whelan has considerable experience advising on compliance and regulatory disputes connected to data privacy and protection. ‘Go-to counsel’ Chris Bollard also plays a key role in advising clients active in the technology sector on privacy and AI mandates, and Andrew Sheridan is a key contact for data privacy crises and investigations.

The media and entertainment practice at A&L Goodbody LLP advises its portfolio of clients on their complex needs in the media and entertainment sector. The team handles a wide range of contentious and non-contentious matters, including regulatory compliance, data protection, advertising and sponsorship agreements, defamation, copyright, and other media-related disputes. John Cahir oversees the team and has substantial experience handling IP matters. John Whelan is sought after by clients seeking advice on commercial and regulatory issues.

A&L Goodbody LLP remains best known for international investment into Ireland’s life sciences sector, along with patent and other types of litigation, regulatory enforcement and the structuring of healthcare and life sciences entities. It has advised clients in many of the largest M&A transactions and corporate restructurings of recent times, including private equity and venture capital investments. It also advises a range of non-European Economic Area (EEA) clients on regulatory and compliance obligations in Ireland. Cliona Christle  is joint head of the life sciences and healthcare group, and is a recognised leader in the field. Ronan Lyons is noted for M&A and private equity transactions in the area and John Whelan specialises in regulatory, contentious and commercial matters. Senior associate Róise Nic Ghráinne is noted for regulatory and litigation matters.

The technology team at A&L Goodbody LLP excels in handling a broad spectrum of IP-related matters, including patent and trademark infringement issues, and supporting clients across a diverse range of industries, such as life science, pharmaceuticals, and technology. John Cahir leads the practice and handles domestic and cross-border projects involving contentious and transactional matters. John Whelan is noted for his capabilities in assisting multinational companies with IP disputes, while Andrew Sheridan is a key contact for data regulation and privacy.

A&L Goodbody LLP offers a full-service telecoms practice, advising clients from a diverse set of industries on a wide range of contentious and non-contentious matters. The firm also represents clients in regulatory investigations and appeals against the decisions made by ComReg, providing comprehensive support across the sector’s legal and regulatory landscape. John Cahir leads the team and regularly represents clients before the Irish courts. John Whelan is also recommended.