The team at Arthur Cox fields a considerable workload for large multinational and domestic clients. The life sciences team, led by Colin Kavanagh, provides corporate, commercial, regulatory and IP advice across the sector. While Kylie Dollard has expertise in life sciences corporate transactions, Bridget Clinton is a strong choice for advice on regulatory issues affecting clients. The team’s broad healthcare offering is led by Joanelle O’Cleirigh, who is a trusted adviser to key regulatory and statutory clients, as well as pharma companies, private hospitals and healthcare providers, particularly related to investigations and disputes. Kate O’Donohoe is another key contact for clients on healthcare-related issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘What sets this practice apart is its ability to combine deep legal expertise with a pragmatic and solution-oriented approach, ensuring that clients receive not only technically sound guidance but also practical strategies tailored to their needs.'
- ‘Arthur Cox stands out for its proactive approach and ability to anticipate client needs. The team doesn’t just react—they partner with clients to co-create solutions that are both innovative and pragmatic.’
- ‘The knowledge of the healthcare sector and trust we developed with the team over the years means we know we are getting expert guidance by a team that understand.’
- ‘I have worked with the Arthur Cox team for well over a decade. They combine the ability to explain the Irish system to multinational clients with a strategic view of the case that effectively communicates how the client's goals can be best met in the Irish system.’
- ‘Joanelle O'Cleirigh and Kate O'Donohoe are our main advisers and provide clear, strategic and timely advice. They have invested time in getting to understand our business and products which is the key to providing the strategic advice we need.’
- ‘Colin Kavanagh has vast experience in providing advice to pharmaceutical companies at every stage and for every aspect of its business. Using this experience, Colin provides sound commercial advice which can be implemented.’
Key clients
- Allergan
- Alnylam Switzerland GmBH
- Amgen
- Amicus Therapeutics
- Becton Dickinson
- Biogen
- Biogen Idec International GmBH
- Blackrock Healthcare Group (which incorporates Blackrock Hospital, Hermitage Clinic and Galway Clinic)
- Bristol-Myers Squibb
- Burst Oral Care
- CareChoice
- Cencora
Work highlights
Advised Mallinckrodt on its $925m sale of Therakos to CVC Capital Partners as lead pharma regulatory counsel, and advised on regulatory engagement, drafting and negotiation of commercial contracts, and coordinated with counsel in other jurisdictions on the medical devices side of the sale, and in particular regarding the recertification process and related risks.
Provided Irish regulatory advice to Advanz Pharma in relation to the marketing status of its product, Ocaliva.
Advising Helsinn Birex in relation to a number of High Court claims claiming injuries arising from alleged defects in products manufactured by the company.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
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
Colin Kavanagh; Joanelle O’Cleirigh
Other key lawyers
Kylie Dollard; Bridget Clinton; Kate O'Donohoe