Firm Profile > Tughans > Belfast, Northern Ireland

Banking and finance Tier 1

Tughans regularly acts as Northern Irish counsel on major cross-border acquisition and real estate financings. Leading the practice is Fearghal O’Loan, who is adept at handling secured and unsecured lending mandates with notable experience in multi-jurisdictional matters. Douglas Anderson is another key member of the team and has carved out a niche in the renewables financing space.

Commercial property Tier 1

Tughans has an established reputation for its work for institutional investors, with areas of recent growth including student accommodation and build to rent schemes. Practice head David Jones is dual qualified in England and Wales and Northern Ireland, and splits his time between the two jurisdictions, advising an impressive client roster on complex development matters. He is supported by the 'very able' and 'high quality lawyer' Joe Moore, an expert in property and acquisition disposals. Other key names include Rebecca Moffett, who has been very active in advising Translink on its real estate issues. Commercial property transactions expert Phyllis Agnew continues to work as a consultant, as does development and leasing expert John Mills.

Construction Tier 1

With expertise in both disputes and transactions, Tughans is a key name in the local market as well as in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland, as exemplified by its recent mandate advising Apple on its new data centre facility in Galway. Senior partner Michael McCord has extensive experience in construction disputes, with expertise spanning litigation, arbitration and mediation. For non-contentious work, Tim Kinney is an important figure and has advised on high-scale commercial and public development projects.

Corporate and M&A Tier 1

Private equity and venture capital transactions are a hallmark of Tughans' corporate practice, which counts major investment houses including Techstart Ventures LLP and Kernel Capital on its client roster.  James Donnelly leads the practice and stands out for his expertise in the engineering, technology and construction sectors. John McGuckian is a key name for the firm's private equity work and has earned mandates from major institutional and private investors. Former senior partner John-George Willis is now a consultant and an independent non-executive director. Ciara Lagan departed to Allen & Overy LLP.

Dispute resolution Tier 1

Tughans is best known in the market for its expertise in real estate, construction and procurement disputes. Senior partner Michael Mccord sits at the helm of the group; he has expertise in litigation and arbitration proceedings and particular experience in contract breach litigation, negligence claims and debt recovery issues. Managing partner Patrick Brown is another key name to note and is adept at procurement challenges. Toby Mcmurray, who focuses on insolvency, fraud and shareholder disputes, is also recommended.

Employment Tier 1

Tughans is particularly active in advising on the employment aspects of M&A transactions, and also acts in injunctive applications, unfair dismissal disputes and discrimination claims. Anna Beggan leads the team and has acted before the Employment and Industrial Tribunal courts, as well as the High Court.  Patricia Rooney is highly skilled in TUPE and outsourcing issues.

Personal injury and clinical negligence: defendant Tier 1

The team at Tughans handles a range of cases concerning catastrophic injuries, industrial diseases and motor accidents. Kathy McGillie, who leads the practice, defends major insurers against personal injury claims. Employer's and public liability claims are handled by Neil Smyth, who has a track record of work on cases involving the Republic of Ireland. Andrew Anthony is also a well-respected name in medical defence work, as is Alistair Wilson.

Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 2

Tughans' client base consists of major banks in the UK and Ireland, as well as global accountancy firms. Clients single the team out as 'the first port of call for many insolvency practitioners faced with difficult legal issues'. Leading the team is Toby Mcmurray, who 'has well established connections with many banks and accountancy firms' and 'is well respected by colleagues and the judiciary'.

Intellectual property Tier 2

Tughans distinguishes itself in the market through its expertise in technology licensing deals, often involving separate parties in the US or the EU. Adrian O’Connell is the key name and alongside his involvement in the technology sector is very active in the manufacturing, food and retail industries.

IT and telecoms Tier 2

With a client base that ranges from local startups to Silicon Valley giants, Tughans is highly experienced in advising on licensing and commercial agreements, as well as private equity and venture capital deals. Adrian O’Connell, who leads the team, is very strong in data protection, contractual agreements and IP. Corporate partners John McGuckian and John-George Willis also have a track record of work on transactions involving the technology sector.

Planning and environment Tier 2

The team at Tughans is led by Maria O’Loan, who handles commercial planning and environment transactions, advising on local developments as well as projects across the UK and Ireland. She is now working as a consultant, and is supported by director Naomi Cooper and associate director Emma-Rose Rooney, who are both experienced in planning and environment litigation.

Energy, project finance and PFI Tier 3

Tughans operates under the leadership of director Andrew Kirke, who has particular insight into the energy sector having worked on secondment for SONI, the transmission system operator for Northern Ireland. He has particular experience in commercial agreements and leases, as well as disputes with the utility regulator. Construction specialist Tim Kinney is also heavily involved in the energy and natural resources sector.