
Byrne Wallace Shields LLP advises on a wide array of complex employment law matters. The team is led by Michelle Ní Longáin, who has particular expertise in freedom of information claims, equality law, and issues relating to whistleblowing and anti-corruption. Michael Kennedy is a key contact for TUPE, trade disputes, post-termination restrictions, and employment injunctions, while Loughlin Deegan is noted for his strong focus on public sector employment law.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Ciara O'Kennedy is exceptional with her knowledge in the field of employment in Ireland.’
- 'They offer timely, practical, and commercially safe solutions. Their people are their greatest asset.’
- ‘Elaine Kelly is exceptional - highly intelligent, personable and very creative in her solutions and highly influential in directing matters towards the best outcome. She puts huge energy and intellect into every case and is professional and approachable, and business savvy.’
- ‘Lorraine Smyth's depth of knowledge, practical insight, and clear, solution-focused guidance have been invaluable.'
- ‘Accessibility, adaptability are present within Byrne Wallace. They are supportive at all times and respond extremely promptly to emergencies should they arise.’
- ‘Loughlin Deegan is unrivalled. He is technically excellent and his services have always yielded the optimum outcomes for our organisation over many years.'
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
- Hertz Europe Service Centre Limited
- Louis Vuitton Ireland Limited
Work highlights
Advising Multiple State Agencies, Government Departments, Local Government and Regulators pursuant to a contract with the relevant Irish Government body, as sole providers of legal training to the Irish public sector on protected disclosures law.
Advising the Legal Service of the Irish Defence Forces, Strategic HR in the Defence Forces and Ireland’s Department of Defence, across the broad spectrum of employment and equality law.
Advising on the provision of employment advice to the entire University sector in Ireland (including the newly established national Technological Universities).
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.
Practice head
Michelle Ní Longáin
Other key lawyers
Michael Kennedy; Loughlin Deegan; Elaine Kelly; Ciara O'Kennedy; Lorraine Smyth


