Noted for its expertise in high-profile and complex disputes before the Irish Courts, the ‘commercially minded’ group at Matheson LLP serves a top client roster spanning the insurance, tech, motor and environmental sectors. Co-leading the group is Julie Murphy-O’Connor, described as a ’pillar of the litigation community’, who maintains a leading reputation within the litigation space, alongside co-head Nicola Dunleavy, who draws on extensive experience in commercial disputes, including corporate, commercial, governance, aviation and financial services litigation. Karen Reynolds is a key contact for financial institutions, insurers, fund managers and financial advisers, while April McClements is highly knowledgeable in complex insurance disputes. Michael Byrne is well versed in TMT litigation, Deirdre Crowley is a go-to for contentious and non-contentious digital economy related disputes, and Angela Brennan specialises in claims in the banking, private equity and insurance sectors. Aishlinn Gannon and Emma Trainor are other key figures within the group.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- The team is extremely dedicated and puts everything into getting the right outcome for the client.
- Ruadhan and Suzy deserve special mention for their client responsiveness.
- ‘Emma Trainor is an incredible practitioner. She is always available. She is full of knowledge and ability. Always prepared to see the job through to the end.'
- ‘Emma Trainor is excellent, very responsive, knowledgeable and has an ability to stay calm under pressure which is reassuring for clients.’
- ‘Particular mention to Connor Cassidy for his pragmatic advice, initiative and ability to take away complex and novel legal questions or factual issues and present resolutions with minimal queries for the client side.’
- ‘Karen Reynolds and Connor Cassidy are particularly trusted advisers. Karen Reynolds is the best in the country at what she does, and is the first person I would call when I need a steer. Connor Cassidy is a newer partner, and has really struck his own in being someone who we can go to with any issues in the regulatory / disputes space. Both of them are absolutely technically brilliant, and have a keen eye for detail.’
- ‘The team led by April McClements has a unique combination of expertise, responsiveness, and innovative approaches. The team is composed of highly skilled professionals with extensive experience in their respective fields. This strong expertise allows us to tackle complex challenges with confidence and a commercial view, which for us is essential.'
- ‘April McClements and Aishlinn Gannon are excellent and truly experts in their field. Expertise, responsiveness, direct advice that we can rely on, and overall knowledge is an extremely high standard.'
- ‘The Team in Matheson are proficient and professional. They have a wide range of expertise and can be relied on to give up to date, commercially minded advice, often at short notice.’
Key clients
- Nordic Aviation Capital dac
- BOC Aviation Ireland Limited
- Avolon Aerospace Ltd
- People Center
- Opel Automobile GmbH
- Vauxhall Motors Limited
- Perrigo plc.
- Occupli Ltd and Erisbeg
- Eirgrid plc
- European Broadcasting Union
- Vermilion Energy Ireland Limited
- Philip Morris
- Iveco Group N.V.
- CNH Industrial N.V.
- Stellantis N.V.
- Mediahuis Ireland Group Limited
Work highlights
Represented four aircraft leasing companies (Avolon Aerospace Leasing Limited, BOC Aviation Limited, Nordic Capital DAC and Goshawk Aviation Limited) in proceedings issued against some 42 insurers/syndicates over multimillion-euro losses when planes were unlawfully detained by Russian airlines following the imposition of EU sanctions in February 2022.
Advising People Center, Inc. D/B/A Rippling and Rippling Ireland Ltd in connection with a matter involving the misuse and unauthorised dissemination of sensitive company data and trade secrets by an employee.
Advising various Opel and Vauxhall companies (part of Stellantis N.V. group of companies) on their defence of highly contentious, complex, high-value, multi-party and multiple proceedings arising from the fire in Douglas Village Shopping Centre car park on 31 August 2019.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
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
Julie Murphy-O’Connor; Nicola Dunleavy
Other key lawyers
Karen Reynolds; April McClements; Michael Byrne; Deirdre Crowley; Angela Brennan; Emma Trainor; Connor Cassidy; Aishlinn Gannon