Hayes Solicitors LLP remains best known for healthcare litigation, particularly clinical negligence defence and catastrophic injury claims; the State Claims Agency and Medical Protection Society are key clients. It is also prominent in commercial litigation, including cases before the Commercial Court. Joseph O’Malley is managing partner and head of commercial litigation, while David Phelan is noted for commercial cases, defamation and media disputes. Mary Hough leads the healthcare team and is a prominent figure in the defence of medical negligence claims, product liability and repercussive claims. Stephen McGuinness is also noted for healthcare cases and Robbie Slattery continues to impress.
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Work Department

Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Corporate and commercial, Media and defamation, Regulatory & Administrative Law

Position

Joe is Managing Partner and Head of Litigation & Dispute Resolution. He has significant experience in handling cases before the Commercial Court. He represents the State Claims Agency in respect of Employer/ Public Liability claims.

Joe has particular expertise in advising clients on regulatory matters and has advised the US Securities and Exchange Commission in relation to their investigations in Ireland, and has lectured to the Central Bank of Ireland on this subject.

He has been involved in the prosecution and defence of some of the most high profile professional negligence actions in the State. He also advises the Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland with regard to their regulation of architects. He also advises regularly on matters relating to freedom of information, data protection, intellectual property, insolvency and restructuring. Joseph advises numerous companies, liquidators and receivers in relation to insolvency matters.

He also acts on behalf of National Asset Management Agency (NAMA). He advises Ireland's leading national newspaper on various media law matters including defamation. He represented Donal Kinsella in the largest defamation/ jury award to date in the history of the State. Joe lectures widely in various aspects of commercial law and he regularly addresses clients, the Institute of Chartered Accountants and the Central Bank of Ireland on topical issues of business law.

Memberships

Dublin Solicitors Bar Association, President and former Chairman of the Litigation Committee Commercial Mediators Association of Ireland Irish Society of Insolvency Practitioners Law Society of Ireland

Education

Bachelor of Civil Law Degree University College Dublin
Master of Laws in Commercial Law, University College Dublin
Professional qualification as a solicitor, Law Society of Ireland, 2002
Professional Practice 1 & 2, Law Society of Ireland
Diploma in Applied Finance Law, Law Society of Ireland

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Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Cian Clinch has been excellent. Always available and level headed with a great strategic approach to complex litigation.’

  • 'Joe O'Malley leads the team and makes a very valuable contribution.’
  • ‘This team provides a very professional and efficient service and has an excellent understanding of the client's needs and requirements.’

  • ‘Robbie Slattery and Joseph O'Malley stand out as professionals who provide an excellent service and whose advice is always reliable and realistic.’

  • ‘Excellent and experienced team providing a wide range of knowledge and advice in accordance with a client's requirements.’

  • ‘The dispute resolution team at Hayes Solicitors is well known for its deep expertise, particularly in handling complex and high-stakes litigation, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution processes. Their team brings a wealth of experience in sectors such as healthcare, media, property, and commercial disputes, making them go-to advisors for both domestic and international clients.'

  • ‘Joe O'Malley is highly regarded for his hands-on approach and exceptional dedication to his clients. His personal touch is evident in every case, as he takes the time to truly understand his clients' needs and craft bespoke strategies that deliver results.'

  • 'Robbie Slattery is notable for his approachable and confident manner. In litigation, Robbie's ability shines through, especially in high-value, multi-party disputes. His ability to navigate complex issues, coupled with a personable approach, makes him a trusted and effective adviser.'
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Key clients

  • State Claims Agency
  • Arabic Computer Systems (ACS) and National Technology Group (NTG)
  • Van Hool
  • University of Limerick and Plassey Trust Company
  • EFG Bank
  • Myles Kirby – (Liquidator) Kirby Healy Chartered Accountants
  • Medical Protection Society
  • Dental Protection Limited
  • Entertainment Enterprises Group
  • Paddy Power / Flutter Entertainment