McCann FitzGerald LLP’s construction team, led by Stephen Proctor, is well-regarded for advising public and private sector clients on significant projects, particularly with project finance aspects. The group advises on various stages of construction projects, including procurement, strategy, contract negotiation and risk analysis elements, with particular expertise advising in public sector projects. The group also has a strong dispute resolution offering. Barrett Chapman and Kevin Kelly bring a wealth of experience to the team. Also active on major mandates are Jamie McGee and Sean Carr, who advise on prominent developments and significant public infrastructure projects. Maeve Mac Dermott Casement is another key team member.
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Accolades

Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • Orlaith Sheehy is a well-respected lawyer. She is my legal therapist and a trusted ally. She is a total superstar. She is extremely bright, fast-thinking, and pragmatic. She answers complex legal questions promptly in a plain, easy-to-understand manner. She has a deep and broad understanding of Public Procurement Law and is well-versed in large-scale construction/infrastructure projects. She takes a holistic view that incorporates our goals and legal needs. She offers creative and practical solutions to unusual legal issues. She has a laser focus on adding value. Orlaith is exceptionally pleasant to work with, and it is a real privilege to work with her. Sean Carr is a standout lawyer. He is very personable, helpful, highly knowledgeable, and responsive. He has an excellent understanding of the issues and has rendered significant assistance in resolving complex contractual disputes and avoiding the necessity for litigation. Michelle Doyle is the epitome of excellence. She has a sharp legal mind and vast experience, which places her at the top of her field. She is very impressive and exudes confidence. She provides a first-class legal service. She is hard-working and dedicated to the task at hand. She has acute commercial awareness and is dedicated to her craft. She provides unrivaled legal expertise in transport construction/infrastructure projects. She is direct and provides clear, precise legal advice, which very often includes practical, strategic, and pragmatic solutions. She provides a comprehensive 360 forensic approach to complex legal problems. She is a highly skilled, fearless legal warrior and is one to have in your corner for challenging and complex projects. On a personal level, she is down-to-earth, responds promptly to legal queries, and is always a pleasure to work with. Eamonn O’Hanrahan is an exceptionally clever and gifted lawyer. He can only be described as a "heavy hitter." He has a great legal mind with a strong focus on large-scale infrastructure/public transportation/PPP projects. He is an experienced legal tactician with an incredible eye for detail. He is a fount of legal knowledge. He provides thoughtful, balanced, and considered legal advice. His analysis of the law and facts is always on point. He is easy to work with and has a calming effect.
  • The McCann Fitzgerald Construction team is at the very top of their field with the ability to represent anyone across the industry, including developers, contractors, lenders, purchasers, vendors, and public/industry bodies.
  • McCann Fitzgerald's Construction and Infrastructure Group is an exceptional market leader with one of the largest specialist practices in Ireland. They have a consistently strong track record of delivering clear, well-considered legal advice on time. Each lawyer on the team exudes excellence, bringing a high level of experience, professionalism, and expertise. The team's success is largely due to their excellent client support and in-depth knowledge of the legal framework in which we operate. The team is agile and has a proactive and collaborative approach where they are there when we need them most. All of the lawyers in this division are very accessible and responsive and provide excellent legal and practical advice on time. Their work rate and quality of work is exceptional. They have a clear understanding of the brief, the fast-paced environment in which we operate, and are attuned to our commercial needs. Their advice is confident and cutting edge.
  • Barrett Chapman, in particular, is willing to go the extra mile to make himself available to clients and share his expertise and experience. It's likely that Jamie McGee has already given great thought to any area of construction law where you might need advice and has valuable insights to share.
  • ‘In simple terms, the McCann FitzGerald construction practice has the best industry knowledge, experience and bench in the market. We work closely with Jamie McGee who furnishes in-depth knowledge (both legal and operational given his background) and dedicated service and advice.’
  • ‘Specific knowledge of our business and particularly in relation to public procurement and associated risks.’
  • ‘Deep knowledge, solution focused with an understanding of public sector environment.'
  • ‘McCann FitzGerald has strength & depth in its construction team. Work/advice is delivered on time, is in plain English, & is of a high quality.’
  • ‘Kevin Kelly excellent partner to have on complex procurement and construction projects. Gets to the nub. Manages a way through to solutions in less than perfect circumstances. Very clearly sets out legal options in order of legal certainty.’
  • ‘Barrett Chapman is an excellent pragmatic lawyer who is always available for consultation and advice. He is a good negotiator and a great adviser.’

Key clients

  • Activate
  • AIB
  • An Post
  • Ardstone Partners ICAV
  • Bain Capital Credit LP
  • Ballymore Group
  • Bank of Ireland
  • Bartra Capital Property Group
  • Beacon Hospital
  • Billings Design Associates
  • Blackstone
  • Bord Na Móna plc
  • Central Bank of Ireland
  • Clancy Construction
  • Collen Construction
  • Córas Iompair Éireann
  • Diageo
  • Commission for Regulation of Utilities
  • Ervia/Aurora
  • ESB

Work highlights

Providing legal guidance to the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board regarding its development of the New Children's Hospital, including defending multiple claims brought by the contractor and providing legal advice to the client on the contract administration generally.
Representing the developers of three private development sites in Dublin, including The Guinness Quarter, Hammerson's Dublin Central and Pembroke Beach DAC's Glass Bottle site, managed by Lioncor and Ronan Group Real Estate.
Advising Córas Iompair Éireann in relation to the extension of the Dublin Area Rail Transport rail network, as well as multiple other engineering projects across the rail network.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

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Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Next Generation Partners

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Leading associates

Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Practice head

Stephen Proctor

Other key lawyers

Barrett Chapman; Kevin Kelly; Sean Carr; Jamie McGee; Maeve MacDermott Casement