ByrneWallace LLP > Dublin, Ireland > Firm Profile
ByrneWallace LLP Offices
88 Harcourt Street
Saint Kevin's
DO2 DK18
Ireland
ByrneWallace LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Ireland > Employment Tier 1
The practice at ByrneWallace LLP provides comprehensive coverage across the full range of employment matters, acting for a varied client roster of major domestic and multinational corporations, trade unions and public authorities. Michelle Ní Longáin heads the practice, regularly assisting public bodies with administrative and equality related employment matters. Michael Kennedy is particularly well regarded for handling trade disputes and TUPE-related matters, while Lorraine Smyth assists clients with outsourcing, restructuring and redundancy processes. Other key names of note include immigration expert Emmet Whelan and industrial dispute expert Loughlin Deegan who regularly represents blue-chip clients on contentious and non-contentious matters.Practice head(s):
Michelle Ní Longáin
Other key lawyers:
Michael Kennedy; Loughlin Deegan; Emmet Whelan; Ciara Ruane; Lorraine Smyth
Testimonials
‘The firm is very experienced and provides sound practical advice that always keeps us on the right path.’
‘Emmet Whelan is excellent. He is consistently clear, decisive, knowledgeable and provides excellent advice to our business. He is also very responsive and available at short notice. We are very satisfied with the service we receive from Emmet.’
‘Loughlin Deegan is an exceptional employment lawyer. He not only provides impeccable legal advice, he is also very practical and an excellent negotiator.’
‘An engaged approach – totally professional and extremely knowledgeable and apply this to best effect by understanding our business and the wider context.’
‘Ciara Ruane – exceptional level of knowledge on employment law and ensures we are fully informed and prepared at all times. She is always responsive and reliably hard-working.’
‘Byrne Wallace fields a vastly experienced team with great strength and breadth at all levels and across all aspects of employment law, very well supported by experienced colleagues from other disciplines, allowing the employment practice to operate as a technically expert one-stop shop. The firm is extremely well tuned in to international labour law developments and at the cutting edge of Irish employment law.’
‘Lorraine Smyth is a stellar employment lawyer. She has a huge wealth of legal knowledge and experience and is a wonderfully personable but steely negotiator who has a phenomenal ability to zone in on the key issues and always keeps the end game in sight. Ever the pragmatist, Lorraine never sugarcoates reality and tells a client exactly where they stand and what they need to know. Her technical ability to argue a case is second to none and she is a brilliant legal drafter who is very much appreciated, both by lawyers and non-legal colleagues.’
‘The employment team in Byrne Wallace have a deep knowledge and experience on all elements of employment disputes. They are responsive and organised and provide pragmatic and commercially sound advice to ensure the best outcome for the client. Excellent all round.’
Key clients
The Irish Civil Service
CRH plc
The Irish Times
The Law Society of Ireland
Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland
Local Government Management Agency
Smurfit Kappa
The Central Bank of Ireland
The Irish Prison Service
Ireland’s Environmental Protection Agency
Work highlights
- Represented the successful party in a Supreme Court case which gave rise to the definitive statement of Irish law as it relates to suspension in the employment context.
- Advised the Irish Civil Service on Ireland’s significantly revised “whistleblowing” regime and providing training across the Civil Service under contract to the Irish Government.
- Represented the Irish Courts Service in successful defences of numerous claims of discrimination in respect of termination of employment of employees on probationary and fixed term contracts.
Ireland > Healthcare and life sciences Tier 1
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
Ireland > Pensions and employee benefits Tier 1
ByrneWallace LLP's practice acts for a broad range of public and private sector employers to assist with issues from the entire spectrum of pension law matters, including drafting and amending pension schemes, pensions regulatory and taxation applications. Practice head Liam Connellan has significant experience in assisting scheme trustees, pensioner associations and individuals with the pension aspects of M&A and corporate transactions, and disputes. Catherine Dowling and Aisling Brennan are key names of note within the team.Practice head(s):
Liam Connellan
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Liam Connellan is our main point of contact, but I have been impressed with the advice received on the occasions where other team members have been involved. They have joined calls at short notice and provided clear advice.’
‘Liam Connellan has a very strong understanding of the Irish pensions landscape and provides practical advice to help clients proceed with the matters at hand. He takes a strong interest in the issues clients are facing and maintains regular contact to ensure the relevant items progress.’
‘Byrne Wallace provides valuable expertise on the Irish pension, legal landscape.’
‘Liam Connellan is knowledgeable, approachable and responsive and provides practical advice.’
‘We worked with Liam Connellan for our project. Liam had all of the expertise that was required & expected. He was approachable, available when we needed and provided detailed advice to assist us in our decision-making in taking our project to successful completion. I would highly recommend Liam as a very knowledgeable pensions lawyer.’
Key clients
Glanbia Co-Operative Society Limited
FCR Media Limited
Trustee Principles Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Glanbia Co-Operative Society Limited on the complex pension issues arising on putting in place funding arrangements for its recently announced acquisition of Glanbia plc’s 40% interest in Glanbia Ireland.
- Advised FCR Media Limited on the wind-up of the Golden Pages Pension Plan.
Ireland > Public sector Tier 1
ByrneWallace LLP‘s ‘highly specialised and expert' public sector group handles contentious and non-contentious mandates on behalf of an enviable client list including state and semi-state bodies, government departments, local authorities and regulators; it has particularly notable expertise in the healthcare sector. The team is active across the full spectrum of public procurement, construction, employment, data protection and regulatory matters. Practice head Michelle Ní Longáin focuses on employment law, including protected disclosures, while other names to note are health and social care head Sinead Kearney; Martin Cooney and Fergal Ruane, who advise on construction matters, and data protection; and regulatory expert Sean O’Donnell.Practice head(s):
Michelle Ní Longáin
Other key lawyers:
Sinéad Kearney; Martin Cooney; Fergal Ruane; Sean O’Donnell; Mona Costelloe; Jon Legorboru
Testimonials
‘The team take a real interest in the issues and carry out a lot of research before suggesting practical solutions. Team members with expertise in the particular area are available as required. They are open to different billing arrangements and to letting us avail of their technology where appropriate.’
‘The team has expertise and a real interest in working with the public sector and we would call out Sean O’Donnell and Fergal Ruane in particular.’
‘The people are simply excellent with brilliant collaboration.’
‘Detailed advice provided in simple terms. Also, their responsiveness and level of expertise is second-to-none.’
‘The team is highly specialised and expert. I have been impressed by their responses to complex legal issues, and their management of complex litigation.’
‘Mona Costelloe and Sean O’Donnell are excellent litigators, who are working on novel areas of data protection law.’
‘The team stands out for its approach to client engagement, and the consistency of the quality of advice and submissions.’
‘Jon Legorboru understands the challenges facing a public body and how they vary from other organisations, and has an innovative approach to solving complex legal problems.’
Ireland > Banking and finance Tier 2
ByrneWallace LLP is home to an experienced team which remains at the forefront of social housing finance and alternative lending matters. Mark Kavanagh heads up the practice, and is well versed in advising on real estate finance and alternative lending issues. Deirdre McBennett has extensive expertise in handling social, affordable and cost rental housing finance, often acting as counsel to approved housing bodies and regulated funds. Lisa Cawley and consultant Clare O’Hare, who splits her time between Dublin and London, are key contacts for securitisations and structured finance mandates. Paraic O’Kennedy, Elizabeth Ryan and Triona Ryan are notable practitioners.Practice head(s):
Mark Kavanagh
Other key lawyers:
Deirdre McBennett; Paraic O’Kennedy; Lisa Cawley; Elizabeth Ryan; Triona Ryan; Michael O’Neill; Clare O’Hare
Testimonials
‘The team is very down to earth, approachable and available. They explain banking concepts so that I (without banking experience) can quickly grasp the point, saving me time. The are highly responsive and know when to put the focus on detail and when to put the focus on the commercial big picture that we are trying to achieve.’
‘Deirdre McBennett is consistently excellent. Wide breadth of experience and provides excellent advice across all of our banking activities. She and her team go above and beyond to keep a positive client relationship while keeping costs reasonable. Michael O’Neill is an excellent support. ’
‘Large firm, but has that personal feel when talking to partners. Collaboration between partners is very smooth without the usual of having to bill to brief partners who don’t know the ins and outs of a deal. ’
‘Paraic O’Kennedy is the most personal lawyer in the market. Doesn’t get hung up on immaterial matters. Is commercial and knows when to push with other side or park minor issues.’
‘Experienced , knowledgeable, solution oriented, fast response.’
‘The level of knowledge, dedicated and commitment to the task and achieving in a timely and efficient manner. Always personable and breaking down complicated contracts into easily digestible language for non-legal people.’
Key clients
BTL Commercial Lending I DAC
BPCI Originator DAC
Pepper Finance Corporation (Ireland) DAC trading as Pepper Asset Servicing (Pepper)
Avvio
Aurium Capital Markets LLP
Re-Turn (Deposit Return Scheme Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee)
Immunocore Ireland Limited
Neuromod Devices Limited
Oaklee Housing
GridBeyond Limited
Property investment fund (ICAV)
Work highlights
- Advised Pepper Finance Corporation (Ireland) DAC in relation to the sale and purchase of a €770m portfolio of performing residential BTL loans and subsequent warehouse securitisation.
- Advised Re-Turn on its €27.5m financing by Bank of Ireland for the development and rollout of the Ireland’s new national Deposit Return Scheme.
- Advised Aurium Social Housing (Ireland) on a secured €100m loan from Ingka Investments Financial Assets Ireland Limited to acquire and develop properties for social housing in Ireland.
Ireland > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 2
Managing partner Feargal Brennan heads up ByrneWallace LLP's corporate, commercial and M&A practice, which is well known for assisting life sciences, energy, food, hospitality, and technology sector clients. The team has been kept busy advising on headline life sciences deals and a wide range of cross-border M&A transactions. Colin Sainsbury and Catherine Dowling bring expertise in handling life sciences transactions, and Victor Timon focuses on technology deals. Gillian O’Shaughnessy has a solid track record in handling healthcare and energy transactions.Practice head(s):
Feargal Brennan
Other key lawyers:
Colin Sainsbury; Catherine Dowling; Eamonn Carey; Daniel Holohan; Gillian O’Shaughnessy; Victor Timon; Zelda Deasy; Jonathan Lynch
Testimonials
‘Colin Sainsbury provides us with a great deal of his time and attention. He personally looks after our needs and is an important asset for our business.’
‘Exceptional blend of commercial savvy and technical excellence. Excellent availability of partners.’
‘Feargal Brennan is in my view the leading corporate lawyer in Ireland due to his ability to blend strong legal knowledge with exceptional wisdom and pragmatic advice. Jonathan Lynch is a highly skilled and very efficient corporate lawyer. Exceptionally effective.’
‘The service is personal and proactive. ’
‘We have had an excellent experience dealing with the team in ByrneWallace.’
‘Eamonn Carey was the lead contact that we worked with and we found him excellent in bringing us through the various stages of the MBO process.’
Ireland > Construction Tier 2
As part of the infrastructure, construction and energy group, ByrneWallace LLP‘s ‘attentive, responsive and available‘ team is equipped to handle the full life cycle of major construction projects, including residential and social housing, urban developments, hotels and data centres. Construction disputes are also a core area of expertise for the team, which handles a high volume of adjudications and litigation proceedings. ‘Second-to-none‘ practice head Martin Cooney is experienced in contentious and non-contentious construction matters, while Fergal Ruane focuses on projects and infrastructure.Practice head(s):
Martin Cooney
Other key lawyers:
Fergal Ruane; Lisa Maloney
Testimonials
‘A team that is very experienced, professional to deal with, direct and to the point.’
‘They are direct, always give a clear path forward and are easy to work side by side with to get the desired result. Martin Cooney is excellent to deal with.’
‘When working on a project clients have confidence there is a strong team behind them.’
‘Martin Cooney always deals with issues in a pragmatic and down-to-earth way which is easily understood.’
‘ByrneWallace is unique in its spread of niche construction law experience within the team. They are approachable and responsive and deliver an excellent and comprehensive service to the client.’
‘The BW team will quickly get to grips with issues and provide commercially-aware advice as to the options available to the client to deal with the issues. They are expert and astute negotiators of contract terms, providing a positive and solutions-based input to transactions. Their experience in adjudications in Ireland, including many of the key High Court cases in relation to enforcements, makes them a strong team to have on your side.’
‘Martin Cooney is second to none and Lisa Maloney is very smart and quickly gaining traction in this area. The BW team are a resource which every construction client could benefit from!’
‘Attentive, responsive and available which are key issues against most legal firms.’
Key clients
Environmental Protection Agency
P. Lonergan & Sons Limited
Flynn Management & Contractors limited
Pathway Homes
Redrock Gloucester Street
Keppel REIT Datacentres
Circle Voluntary Housing Association
Chartered Land/ Castlethorn Developments
Clúid Housing
Exeter Ireland Property IV Limited
QIL Technologies Limited
Collen Construction Limited
Keelings
Work highlights
- Re-appointed under a framework agreement following a competitive tendering process as the legal adviser to the Environmental Protection Agency, including advising on the terms of all of the required financial instruments to be provided by EPA licensed operators.
- Advised Collen Construction in High Court proceedings where the client sought interim injunctive relief against a blockade of construction work on a new hotel and offices it is constructing in Dublin city centre.
- Advised KDCR on the full suite of construction documents for the construction and fit out of a new data hall at its data centre in Ballycoolin, Dublin.
Ireland > Data privacy and data protection Tier 2
ByrneWallace LLP handles the full gamut of issues pertaining to privacy and data protection, including freedom of information, breach management and cybersecurity compliance. ‘Exceptional‘ practice head Seán O’Donnell demonstrates broad expertise in GDPR compliance, assisting both private sector organisations and public bodies with data access requests and data security breaches. Zelda Deasy has longstanding experience in drafting and reviewing data transfer agreements and data protection policies, in addition to international data transfers and data processing agreements.Practice head(s):
Seán O’Donnell
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘At the outset, I can confirm all our interactions with the ByrneWallace Data Protection & Privacy team were very constructive, and the service overall was excellent. We have often called on legal professionals for advice and guidance, and the service we received from Byrne Wallace LLP was exceptional.’
‘The team have encyclopaedic knowledge of the evolving GDPR jurisprudence and has acted in some of the largest scale data breaches involving financial services providers and state bodies to date.’
‘Easy to deal with. Calm and measured. Fantastic background knowledge and very sound judgement.’
‘Seán O’Donnell is very wise and informed. Very Practical.’
‘We recently engaged with Byrne Wallace, and I found their team to be most helpful and enlightening in many areas. Their insight into the subject matter provided my team confidence and comfort in the strength and integrity of our updated systems.’
‘I primarily dealt with Zelda Deasy, whose attention to detail was second to none, while also adding comfort by ensuring my organisation is in a much better position.’
‘Personalised attention to detail and a quick, coherent response to ongoing issues. An understanding of our unique business features and a bespoke response tailored to needs. Great understanding of GDPR issues and ensuing day-to-day challenges for the business.’
‘Zelda Deasy has a practical approach to GDPR issues impacting our business. Her team delivered a customised training plan for the business.’
Key clients
Aserve Investigators Limited
Axon Evolution Limited
Circol ELT
Cloudware Limited t/a Aladdin Schools
Environmental Protection Agency
Horse Racing Ireland
Local Government Operational Procurement Centre
Marine Institute
Neuromod Devices Limited
OneProjects Design Innovation Limited
Ótologie Tinnitus Care Limited
Phibro Animal Health Limited
Phonovation Limited
ServiceNow Ireland Limited
Tourism Ireland CLG
ValitaCell Limited
Work highlights
- Advised ServiceNow Ireland Limited on data protection compliance requirements, in particular in the area of data processing agreements and contractual negotiations.
- Advised Littelfuse Inc on the data protection aspects involved in its high-value, multi-jurisdictional acquisition.
- Advised the Environmental Protection Agency on its compliance with data protection law.
Ireland > Dispute resolution Tier 2
ByrneWallace LLP has continued to grow its presence in cyber-crime and data breaches, along with white-collar crime and investigations. It is a leading player in contentious public sector matters, acting for state and public agencies in the health, educational, property and tourism sectors. It also remains active in representing private sector clients before the Commercial Court. Jon Legorburu is head of the litigation and dispute resolution team, and is rated for public sector cases, regulatory investigations and white-collar crime. Mona Costelloe has broad expertise across the disputes arena, including regulatory enforcement. Seán O’Donnell is noted for contentious regulatory matters, and data protection and cyber-crime cases. Mark O’Shaughnessy and Valerie Hourigan are also key partners.Practice head(s):
Jon Legorburu
Other key lawyers:
Mona Costelloe; Seán O’Donnell; Valerie Hourigan; Mark O’Shaughnessy; Helen Gibbons
Testimonials
‘We have worked with the BW team for many years on several legal disputes. Every time and every project has been different and not always the same resources, however the quality of partners and associates is always excellent. Teams always give strategic advice, not always what might be expected, and always consider alternatives to strategy for our consideration.’
‘Mark O’Shaughnessy – always very strong strategic and commercial legal advice, sees the issue from many angles. Mark is also very practical and easy to understand, he always is available and keeps meetings focused and on point. He is also easy to get along with, and very personable.’
‘The practice has a knowledgeable and articulate team who are willing to listen but also provide good insight and advice. They take initiative in respect of protecting their clients’ interests.’
‘Mark O’ Shaughnessy in particular is always available, sources particular requirements, expert witnesses, is well-versed on data protection and articulate and engaging when engaging with third parties on our behalf. ’
‘Mark O’Shaughnessy’s clarity, tenacity and diligence never dull his empathy. His collegiate humanity is a real differentiator. I feel real gratitude to have journeyed with Mark and his team.’
‘The team have a highly collaborative approach and are able to put across a key point of law and precedent in a clear fashion.’
‘Great listeners. Concise in advise. Responsive. Available.’
‘The main person we deal with is Helen Gibbons. From my point of view, the most important thing is I trust her and have confidence in her ability.’
Work highlights
Ireland > Information technology Tier 2
The technology group at ByrneWallace LLP acts for a diverse set of domestic and international technology companies that includes start-ups, mid-cap companies, and large multinational organisations. The team advises on all traditional and upcoming areas of information technology, including cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and blockchain. Victor Timon heads the practice and regularly assists suppliers and buyers with software licensing and technology outsourcing transactions. Laura Greene has extensive experience of advising public and private sector organisations on software-as-a-service agreements and data privacy policies.Practice head(s):
Victor Timon
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘We have worked with many firms but give 100% of our business/commercial and privacy work to Byrne Wallace. We have found them to be expert and personable, which is a welcome mix.’
Key clients
Avar Communications Limited t/a Jobbio
Glocal Advertising Limited t/a Gladcloud
Deposit Return Scheme Ireland CLG
XtremePush Limited
Phonovation Limited
Volograms Limited
Ourworld Media Limited
Blockbee Ventures Limited
Reitigh Software Limited
Axon Evolution Limited
Treo Technologies DAC
Cranntech Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Deposit Return Scheme Ireland CLG on the procurement of new IT systems required to set up and run the deposit return scheme for beverage containers.
- Advised Ourworld Media Limited on the set-up of a new metaverse world.
- Advised Avar Communications Limited t/a Jobbio on a number of high-profile transactions, including with NewsCorp, the Times, Telegraph, and Daily Mail.
Ireland > Insolvency and corporate restructuring Tier 2
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.
Ireland > Projects and PPP Tier 2
ByrneWallace LLP continues to strengthen its presence in the projects and infrastructure space by offering planning and development advice to clients from a diverse set of sectors, including real estate, energy, education, healthcare, transport, and technology. Practice head Fergal Ruane has longstanding experience of advising both public and private bodies on public procurement law, while Martin Cooney handles the full range of contentious and non-contentious matters related to construction law. Michael Walsh is the go-to person for advice on real estate projects.Practice head(s):
Fergal Ruane
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team leverages diverse skills within the firm to bring knowledge and experience to bear to resolve client issues.’
‘Martin Cooney delivers well-considered advice and an ability to think strategically in guiding clients through complex projects.’
‘The people are excellent. I deal with Fergal Ruane and his team. Their advice is provided based on their significant expertise and experience. Their responsiveness is brilliant and provides advice in clear terms.’
‘The ByrneWallace team are extremely knowledgeable across their specialisms. The team members are accessible and never fail to return a call or email, no matter what time of day.’
‘The projects and PPP team I have dealt with (headed up by Fergal Ruane) is incredibly experienced in the area of procurement law, and this experience is evident in the extremely practical and strategic legal advice that the team provides, which is invaluable to a client. The team is very responsive, always happy to assist and turn around advice.’
‘The ByrneWallace projects and PPP team are fully aware of emerging regulatory developments and important moves by market players.’
‘Fergal Ruane consistently continued to provide us with his valued insights and sound judgement on our key legal issues. He has also built a strong team around him, which is essential in managing multiple and diverse demands.’
Key clients
Ballymore Group
Hitachi Energy Ireland
Gyrogy Limited
Chartered Land
Failte Ireland
Irish Water/Ervia
Fingal County Council
Dublin City Council
National Paediatric Hospital Development Board
Work highlights
- Advised an international private equity client on the design, build, finance, lease and operation of an 18MW data centre in Dublin.
- Advised Gridbeyond on on-site solar power purchase agreements and the development of battery energy storage systems.
- Advised an Irish consultancy firm on a number of design team lead consultancy appointments for various projects in connection with the design and build of a whiskey distillery in Co Sligo.
Ireland > Real estate Tier 2
ByrneWallace LLP stands out for the breadth of its real estate offering; in addition to advising on high-profile sales, acquisitions and leasing matters involving office properties, the firm has a thriving practice in the social housing sector, and is increasingly active in the data centre space. The ‘very experienced‘ team has also seen a recent uptick in instructions relating to forward funding deals. Michael Walsh chairs the property department, while ‘go-to counsel‘ Alison O’Sullivan now serves as department head. Other key names include housing group lead Neil Dunne, Ronan Egan, Aoife Hearne and Michelle McVeigh, who heads the property retail and asset management group.Practice head(s):
Alison O’Sullivan; Michael Walsh
Other key lawyers:
Neil Dunne; Ronan Egan; Derville White; Aoife Hearne; Brian O’Gorman; Michelle McVeigh
Testimonials
‘A team of subject matter experts with a strong focus on commerciality and problem solving.’
‘It is a privilege working with Byrne Wallace; they are professional, experts in their field, and have a genuine commitment to helping clients navigate complex legal issues.’
‘What truly sets them apart is their unwavering commitment. They genuinely stay invested in every deal and work tirelessly on behalf of clients. They have excellent relationships in the sector which also helps.’
‘A very experienced real estate team, with credentials in all aspects of real estate investment, development, financing and divestment. Very knowledgeable on Irish property matters and provide workable solutions to any problems clients face.’
‘Michael Walsh has experience at the highest level, and is invaluable at scoping projects and dealing with challenging issues.’
‘Bryan O’Gorman is exceptionally capable in delivering high-quality work, efficiently.’
‘Derville White has good leadership skills and is always very accessible. Neil Dunne approaches each transaction diligently to get it done.’
‘Alison O’Sullivan is a go-to counsel in Ireland. She is accessible, savvy, and practical in her approach to deals.’
Key clients
Allied Irish Bank plc
Arrow Capital Partners
Aviva Life & Pensions
Ballymore Group
Bank of Ireland (Group Property)
Cerberus
Collen Construction
Davy Hickey
Edifis Capital
EQT Exeter
Ericcson
European Parliament
Glenveagh Properties Plc
Uisce Éireann
Land Development Agency
Lidl Ireland GmbH
LRC Group
Oaklee Housing
Patrizia Immoblien
Qualtrics
Quanta Capital
Quintain
Red Rock
Tullow Oil
Twinlite Group
Vestry Limited Partnership
Work highlights
- Acted for Kennedy Wilson in its investment sale of several office blocks in Blackrock Business Park, Dublin, to a French investor.
- Acting for Patrizia Immoblien in its forward purchase of 72 residential units and two commercial units in the Benson Building, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, in Dublin’s South Docks.
- Advised The Vestry LP on the real estate aspects of the financing of a portfolio of 1,200 assets.
Ireland > White-collar crime Tier 2
The white-collar crime team at ByrneWallace LLP is extremely proficient in assuming the roles of both prosecutor and defence in high-profile criminal investigations, with specific expertise in cybercrime and fraud cases. Jon Legorburu has extensive experience of handling investigations and litigation matters for clients from the financial services, healthcare, and insurance sectors and jointly heads the team with Seán O’Donnell, who specialises in contentious regulatory matters. Mark O’Shaughnessy is a key name for regulatory investigations and disputes and acts for domestic and international companies, and Eimear Redmond often advises public bodies on statutory interpretation and EU law obligations. Robert McDermott and Ben Grogan are also noted.Practice head(s):
Jon Legorburu; Seán O’Donnell
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They had excellent domain expertise for an issue they advised us on. Their service was extremely quick and detailed. Their advice helped us resolve a dispute promptly.’
Ireland > Energy and natural resources Tier 3
ByrneWallace LLP is recommended for its long-standing experience in all areas of energy law. The team regularly advises multi-national clients on the structuring, investing and development of energy transactions, in addition to onshore and offshore wind farm projects. The team is led by Fergal Ruane, who assists with power purchase agreements for wind farms and data centre infrastructure deals. Martin Cooney is a key contact within the practice.Practice head(s):
Fergal Ruane
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Mainstream Renewable Power
Permanent TSB
GridBeyond
Island Stability Services
Natural Forces Renewable Energy
Close Leasing
Carbon Sole Group
Allied Irish Banks plc
GridConnect
Hexicon AB
ING Bank
Ronan Group Renewables
Hitachi Energy Ireland
Gyrogy
Kildare County Council
Source Energie
Grafton Group
BNM
Work highlights
- Advised a number of clients on corporate and on-site power purchase agreements in relation to wind and solar energy projects.
- Advised Hitachi Energy Ireland Limited on contractual and procurement matters associated with Hitachi’s activities in the energy and data centre infrastructure sectors.
- Assisted GeoPura with the creation of a hydrogen energy eco-system for a large Irish energy provider.
Ireland > Insurance Tier 3
ByrneWallace LLP handles a mix of transactional, advisory, regulatory and disputes matters in the insurance field. It acts for insurers, commercial clients and public sector bodies. It also continues to advise the Environmental Protection Agency in connection with environmental impairment liability insurance policies. Jon Legorburu heads the litigation and dispute resolution group and leads the insurance team. Mona Costelloe and Louise Holmes provide additional insurance expertise.Practice head(s):
Jon Legorburu; Mark O’Shaughnessy
Other key lawyers:
Helen Gibbons; Mona Costelloe; Louise Holmes
Testimonials
‘I work very closely with Louise Holmes. She is very professional and exceptional with clients. She understands their needs and businesses and makes telling them bad news very easy. She is very punctual, efficient and always delivers.’
Key clients
Environmental Protection Agency
FBD Insurance Group Limited
Work highlights
- Advised the Environmental Protection Agency on all Environmental Impairment Liability (EIL) insurance policies in Ireland secured by licensed operators as a financial instrument for potential environmental liabilities.
- Advised FBD in relation to High Court proceedings, relating to the refusal of Royal London, the Life Company, to pay out on a life assurance policy for reasons of non-disclosure of material medical facts during the policy application process.
- Advised a Large Irish Public Body on a range of matters which required strategic and complex advice regarding insurance, indemnity, liability, risk identification and mitigation.
Ireland > Media and entertainment Tier 3
Under the headship of Mark O’Shaughnessy, the media practice at ByrneWallace LLP provides regular assistance to both public and private organisations with reputation management issues, including cyber-attacks, data breaches, reputational damage caused by product recalls and adverse media intrusion. The other key individuals are litigation expert Mona Costelloe and Daniel Holohan, who advises on commercial agreements involving media and broadcast rights.Practice head(s):
Mark O’Shaughnessy
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Mark O’Shaughnessy is generous with sharing his legal expertise with colleagues and is a skilled communicator.’
‘Byrne Wallace masterfully navigates the complex legal landscape, offering precise guidance across key sectors. Renowned for their expertise, they are recognised problem-solvers with significant success in resolving disputes, both inside and outside the courtroom.’
‘Mark O’Shaughnessy is an outstanding leader in the field, always operating at the cutting edge of new developments. He is a genuine expert in a complex and evolving field and has an impressive ability to synthesise and communicate the law effectively. He has invaluable experience in managing external engagements with regulatory bodies and parliamentary committees.’
Key clients
Irish Studio Media Publishing Limited
Horse Racing Ireland
Work highlights
- Represented Irish Studio Media Publishing Limited in proceedings arising from the content of an article published in an online publication.
- Represented a leading financial institution in the defence of High Court and Circuit Court defamation proceedings.
Ireland > Tax Tier 3
ByrneWallace LLP has an established team featuring two partners with a particularly strong record in financial services and property-related tax, along with indirect tax. The team has advised on a series tax matters connected to high-value M&A transactions, venture capital fundraisings, property asset acquisitions and disposals, and loan arrangements. Anthony Smyth heads the team with Lee Squires leading the indirect taxes practice.Practice head(s):
Anthony Smyth
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘I had the pleasure of working with Lee Squires, one of the partners in the firm. He is excellent in his field of work and exceptionally easy to work with. His dedication to understanding our industry was evident and knowledge was very impressive.’
‘Lee Squires is remarkably approachable and friendly. He made it very easy to discuss complex tax issues and is clearly great at what he does. I wholeheartedly recommend his services.’
‘ByrneWallace LLP has the right mix of people – well experienced, well versed with the tax laws, and well connected. They understand the business model, they ask, and provide a solution-based approach. The team is easily approachable which gives a lot of comfort as a client, as my query can be addressed within time.’
‘Excellent technical knowledge of an area that is constantly changing. Very strong commercial awareness of what “moves the needle” from a real estate perspective. Always “on the ball” with respect to reporting deadlines to make sure all of our entities remain compliant and filings are up to date’
‘Anthony Smyth – heads up a strong team of very technically capable practitioners. Lee Squires – good technical knowledge – good availability.’
‘Anthony Smyth understands our commercial model, invests time into us as not every project is a win and takes the long term view. He is very responsive, takes ownership and works hard – which are attributes we see across the entire tax team.’
Key clients
EQT Exeter Property Group
Patrizia AG
StoneX Group
Silent-Aire
Aurium Capital Markets LLP
Browserstack Limited
Baker Tilly Ireland (now Azets Ireland)
Littelfuse, Inc.
Pond 5 Inc.
Work highlights
- Advised EQT Exeter on the sale of c.13 Irish property assets to an international sovereign fund as part of a pan-European deal valued in excess of €300m for the Irish assets and €3bn in total.
- Advised Patrizia AG on its €60m acquisition of the Eight Building in Dublin and €53m acquisition of the Benson Building in Dublin’s Docklands.
- Advised the shareholders of Silent-Aire on its acquisition by Johnson Controls PLC in an all-cash transaction valued at up to $870m.
Ireland > Intellectual property Tier 4
ByrneWallace LLP’s intellectual property team boasts significant expertise in contentious IP matters, regularly representing clients in trade mark and copyright litigation before the Commercial Court. In addition to this, the team has an enviable non-contentious offering, advising both private and public sector clients on design protection, IP commercialisation, and due diligence. The practice is led by the duo of life sciences expert Colin Sainsbury and Mark O’Shaughnessy, who specialises in IP disputes. Victor Timon and Catherine Dowling are also recommended.Practice head(s):
Colin Sainsbury; Mark O’Shaughnessy
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The practice provides a good breadth of legal services with good connectivity across the teams.’
‘Colin Sainsbury has excellent problem-solving abilities.’
‘The firm stands out for me due to its exceptional responsiveness and acute sensitivity to the diverse needs of stakeholders within intricate commercial landscapes, particularly in the realm of patent litigation. What sets Byrne Wallace apart is their ability to swiftly adapt and respond to the dynamic and often complex demands of the legal environment, ensuring that they remain ahead of the curve. They place a premium on understanding and addressing the interests of various stakeholders involved, deftly navigating the intricate web of concerns that arise in these high-stakes situations.’
‘Mark O’Shaughnessy and Catherine Dowling stand out for me. They are able to pick up the details and see through the forest of information to target the commercial outcomes for clients.’
Key clients
Xeolas Pharmaceuticals Limited
Avectas Limited
Warburton Technology Limited
Kora Healthcare
Versono Medical Limited
Prodig Attachments Limited
ByrneWallace LLP > Firm Profile
The firm: As one of Ireland’s leading full service law firms, ByrneWallace LLP is dedicated to the protection and promotion of its clients’ interests through the provision of excellent service and expert legal advice. This expertise is borne out of a 40 year heritage, high professional standards and a commitment to develop the most talented lawyers.
A forward thinking firm, it has been awarded both nationally and internationally for its commitment to delivering excellence, and is recognised as the only top ten Irish law firm certified with Lexcel, the quality mark of excellence in practice management, and was one of the first large Irish law firms to obtain ISO 27001, the international standard for information security management.
Areas of practice: ByrneWallace LLP provides specialist advice on Irish law to domestic and international clients, with niche expertise in banking and finance, employment, corporate, recovery, property, construction, litigation, intellectual property, data protection, tax, technology, life sciences, financial services, public sector, energy and natural resources, healthcare, and retail.
Managing partner: Feargal Brennan
Number of partners: 55
Number of lawyers: 160
Website: www.byrnewallace.com
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Managing Partner, Head of Corporate | Feargal Brennan | fbrennan@byrnewallace.com | +353 (0)1 691 5276 |
Tax | Anthony Smyth | asmyth@byrnewallace.com | +353 (0)1 691 5281 |
Banking and Finance | Mark Kavanagh | mkavanagh@byrnewallace.com | +353 (0)1 691 5643 |
Construction | Martin Cooney | mcooney@byrnewallace.com | +353 (0)1 691 5260 |
Data Privacy and Data Protection | Sean O'Donnell | sodonnell@byrnewallace.com | +353 (0)1 691 5411 |
Health and Social Care | Sinéad Kearney | skearney@byrnewallace.com | +353 (0)1 691 5406 |
Restructuring and Insolvency | John Fitzgerald | jfitzgerald@byrnewallace.com | +353 (0)1 691 5617 |
Litigation and Dispute Resolution | Jon Legorburu | jlegorburu@byrnewallace.com | +353 (0)1 691 5494 |
Pensions Law | Liam Connellan | lconnellan@byrnewallace.com | +353 (0)1 691 5251 |
Employment/Public Sector | Michelle Ni Longain | mnilongain@byrnewallace.com | +353 (0)1 691 5310 |
Property/Real Estate | Alison O'Sullivan | aosullivan@byrnewallace.com | +353 (0)1 691 5272 |
Projects and Infrastructure | Fergal Ruane | fruane@byrnewallace.com | +353 (0)1 691 5259 |
Technology Group | Victor Timon | vtimon@byrnewallace.com | +353 (0)1 691 5866 |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Mr Feargal Brennan | Managing Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Eamonn Carey | Partner, Corporate | View Profile | |
Ms Lisa Cawley | Partner, Banking and Finance | View Profile | |
Mr Liam Connellan | Partner, Head of Pensions Law | View Profile | |
Mr Martin Cooney | Partner, Head of Construction | View Profile | |
Ms Mona Costelloe | Partner, Litigation & Dispute Resolution | View Profile | |
Ms Zelda Deasy | Partner, Corporate / Data Privacy and Data Protection | View Profile | |
Mr Loughlin Deegan | Partner, Employment Law | View Profile | |
Ms Catherine Dowling | Partner, Corporate | View Profile | |
Ms Olive Doyle | Partner, Health and Social Care | View Profile | |
Mr Ronan Egan | Partner, Property/Real Estate | View Profile | |
Mr John Fitzgerald | Partner, Head of Restructuring and Insolvency | View Profile | |
Laura Greene | Partner, Corporate / Technology Group | View Profile | |
Ms Louise Holmes | Consultant, Litigation and Dispute Resolution | View Profile | |
Ms Valerie Hourigan | Partner, Litigation and Dispute Resolution | View Profile | |
Mr Mark Kavanagh | Partner, Head of Banking and Finance | View Profile | |
Ms Aoife Kearne | Partner, Property | View Profile | |
Ms Sinead Kearney | Partner, Head of Health and Social Care | View Profile | |
Ms Elaine Kelly | Partner, Employment Law | View Profile | |
Mr Michael Kennedy | Partner, Employment Law | View Profile | |
Mr Jon Legorburu | Partner, Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution | View Profile | |
Mr Ross Little | Partner, Corporate | View Profile | |
Mr Jonathan Lynch | Partner, Corporate | View Profile | |
Ms Deirdre McBennett | Partner, Banking and Finance | View Profile | |
Ms Patrick McClean | Partner, Health and Social Care | View Profile | |
Ms Michelle McVeigh | Partner, Property/Real Estate | View Profile | |
Mr Sean Neville | Of Counsel, Restructuring and Insolvency | View Profile | |
Ms Michelle Ní Longáin | Partner, Head of Employment Law and Head of Public Sector | View Profile | |
Mr Sean O'Donnell | Partner, Litigation and Dispute Resolution/ Data Privacy and Data Protection | View Profile | |
Mr Donal O'Donovan | Partner, Banking and Finance | View Profile | |
Mr Paraic O'Kennedy | Partner, Banking and Finance | View Profile | |
Mr Gillian O'Shaughnessy | Partner, Corporate | View Profile | |
Ms Alison O'Sullivan | Partner, Head of Property/Real Estate | View Profile | |
Mr Mark O’Shaughnessy | Partner, Litigation and Dispute Resolution | View Profile | |
Mr Fergal Ruane | Partner, Head of Projects and Infrastructure | View Profile | |
Ms Elizabeth Ryan | Partner, Banking and Finance | View Profile | |
Mr Colin Sainsbury | Partner, Corporate and Head of Life Sciences | View Profile | |
Mr Anthony Smyth | Head of Tax | View Profile | |
Ms Lorraine Smyth | Partner, Employment Law | View Profile | |
Mr Victor Timon | Partner, Head of Technology Group | View Profile | |
Mr Eoghan Wallace | Partner, Health and Social Care | View Profile | |
Mr Michael Walsh | Partner, Chair of Property/Real Estate | View Profile | |
Mr Emmet Whelan | Partner, Employment Law | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 160 Number of Partners : 55Languages
EnglishOther
Contact : Feargal Brennan (managing partner) Other offices : New YorkLegal Briefings
-
Changes in the Irish business interruption insurance market
It is a time of significant change for the Irish insurance market. Business interruption insurance has, in particular, become a focal point of the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic. On 5 February 2021, Justice Denis McDonald of the Irish High Court held that the pub owners were entitled to be compensated by FBD Insurance …
- Employment
- Healthcare and life sciences
- Pensions and employee benefits
- Public sector