McCann FitzGerald LLP‘s team is well-equipped to handle a diverse range of contentious and non-contentious mandates for clients in the healthcare and life sciences sectors, with key strengths in corporate transactions, IP litigation and product liability cases. Fiona O'Beirne has expertise in complex patent litigation, particularly in the medical device and pharmaceuticals, and Shane O'Brien is also a go-to for clients in these sectors, including for regulatory advice. With a focus on private healthcare and Irish operations of US pharma companies, Garreth O'Brien co-leads the life sciences group. Ciara O'Herlihy is a key contact for corporate transactions in the life sciences sector. As lead of the product liability and safety team, Conor Cunningham defends complex claims, with expertise in product recalls and safety issues. Roddy Bourke retired from the partnership in July 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The McCann FitzGerald team I've worked with displays keen insight for the strategic factors that will impact a litigation, as well as deep knowledge about the process.’
- ‘McCann FitzGerald has impressed me with how pragmatic they are in how they give and implement legal advice.’
- ‘Very responsive and collaborative. Accessible and down to earth, with good solid practical advice.’
- ‘Paul Lavery is a top performer, very easy to work with, excellent turnaround times and high quality product.’
- ‘Very experienced in product liability cases for medical devices.’
Key clients
- Bristol Myers Squibbs
- Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)
- Pfizer
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Depuy International Limited
- Bayer
- Alkermes
- Roche
- Boston Scientific
- Gilead
- Liva Nova
- Coloplast Corp
- Medical Defence Union
- Amgen
- Eisai
- Astellas
- Research Ireland
Work highlights
Acted for Bristol Myers Squibb in its defence of a Commercial Court patent / SPC revocation action brought by Teva Pharmaceuticals relating to Apixaban (the active ingredient in Eliquis), in related infringement proceedings against Teva and in separate infringement proceedings against Mylan.
Advised ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc in connection with all Irish law aspects of its acquisition of Alimera Sciences, Inc.
Advised Johnson & Johnson in relation to the Cork City Coroner’s inquest into the death of a young male following receipt of the Covid-19 vaccine.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Shane O’Brien; Fiona O’Beirne; Garreth O’Brien; Ciara O’Herlihy; Conor Cunningham
Other key lawyers
Paul Lavery; Adam Finlay