McCann FitzGerald LLP‘s energy and natural resources team handles a wide array of mandates for project sponsors, lenders and, notably, state bodies. The team is led by the ’exceptional’ Valerie Lawlor, who has significant expertise acting in large transactions, with specialisms in M&A, IPOs and regulatory frameworks. Rory O'Malley also has a strong track record in significant renewable energy transactions. Peter McLay joined the team in 2025, bringing in-depth knowledge of Irish and EU law and regulation applying to energy projects in the electricity, natural gas and petroleum sectors. Brendan Slattery and Sinéad Martyn are also highly active team members.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘All partners are technically excellent and commercially savvy. You'd always want Valerie Lawlor batting for you.’
- ‘Brendan Slattery is an exceptional communicator—both in writing and in open verbal communication. His ability to understand and influence clients, judges, and other stakeholders is truly remarkable.'
- ‘Stephen Proctor and his team have great knowledge in this field. They offer practical solutions and are able to deal with a matter in a timely but effective manner.'
- ‘McCann Fitzgerald provide unrivalled support and advice in the ever-evolving offshore renewables sector in Ireland. They are well connected nationally, and well informed on national assessment and legislative provisions.’
- ‘Approachable, and responsive at all times, Sinéad Martyn combines sound advice with a commercial frame of mind - consistently providing advice that the project relies on.'
Work highlights
Advised Equitix GP 7 Limited (acting in its capacity as general partner of Equitix Fund VII LP) and Baltic Cable Aktibolag on the successful acquisition of the Greenlink Interconnector from Partners Group.
Advising CRU in relation to offshore connection policy and defended the CRU in two related judicial review proceedings, including applications for injunctive relief, brought by developers of gas turbines against the CRU and EirGrid.
Advising FuturEnergy Ireland (FEI) in relation to its €175m Castlebanny project, an 138.8MW onshore windfarm to be developed by FEI through a joint venture between FEI and ART Generation Limited.
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.
Practice head
Valerie Lawlor
Other key lawyers
Rory O'Malley; Brendan Slattery; Éamon Ó Cuív; Stephen Proctor; Sinéad Martyn; Laura Treacy; Donncha Sexton; Peter McLay