Mason Hayes & Curran LLP has demonstrated a wide-ranging commitment to the healthcare and life sciences sectors, covering key areas such as medical litigation, intellectual property (IP) matters, corporate transactions, regulatory issues and product liability. The healthcare litigation team handles a significant volume of high-value clinical negligence claims. It continues to act for the Clinical Indemnity Scheme of the State Claims Agency and frequently handles cases before the fast-track Cervical Check Tribunal. In life sciences, the firm regularly advises clients on venture capital fundraisings and M&A transactions, while in healthcare it also often advises on M&A transactions and development projects in the nursing home sector. Life sciences regulatory and product liability matters remain central to the practice. Kevin Power is an experienced figure in catastrophic injury claims and cervical screening cases. Michaela Herron leads the life sciences team and has a focus on regulatory compliance, product safety and product liability. Gemma Coady and Keelin Cowhey frequently handle cases for the State Claims Agency. Ciara Deasy is another medical defence specialist. Martin Kelleher heads the corporate team and has an excellent record in life sciences transactions.
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Profile
Work Department
Corporate, Life Sciences
Position
Partner, Corporate; Head of Life Sciences
Career
Martin is a Corporate Partner and Head of the Life Sciences team. He has extensive international experience in corporate law and has acted in some of the most high-profile M&A transactions in Ireland in recent years.
Martin focuses on advising Irish and international businesses on venture capital, private equity and M&A transactions. He also works extensively on reorganisations and fundraisings.
As a former in-house counsel, Martin he has a deep understanding of the client perspective and commercial objectives. His practical negotiation skills means that he is able to deliver long term value. He is known in the market for his exceptional commitment and loyalty to clients.
Memberships
Law Society of Ireland; MBA Association of Ireland.
Education
National University of Ireland, Cork (BCL); Cranfield University, School of Management, (MBA); King's College London (Postgrad Dip in EU Competition Law); Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (CDipAF).
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Thoroughly enjoy working with Michaela Herron and Jamie Gallagher - so easy to communicate with, very professional and at the top of their game.’
- 'Both Keelin Cowhey and David Hickey always make themselves available immediately to troubleshoot real time issues that arise in the hospital setting. They are always on hand to provide advice and support in an emergency.'
‘As a regulatory consultant in the medtech industry, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Michaela Herron and Jamie Gallagher on several projects. Their deep understanding of the complex regulatory landscape in medtech, combined with their strategic insight, sets them apart. They bring a powerful combination of technical expertise, strategic insight, and a collaborative approach. Their ability to navigate complex regulatory and compliance issues with precision while consistently aligning legal strategies with the client’s business objectives has been invaluable. Their strong communication and client-focused mindset has ensured successful outcomes on the projects we’ve worked on together, making them trusted advisers for medtech clients.’
‘Incredible knowledge of current Irish and EU law trends in the life sciences regulatory space, connected products and online marketplace regulation. This is a changing area with recent EU updates and legislation enacted, and Michaela Herron and her team are always on top of the changes and new updates.’
‘Michaela Herron is fantastic - she is engaged, knowledgeable and keeps on top of a quickly changing regulatory environment. She gives clear and straightforward advice which is commercial and understands her client's business needs.’
‘Kevin Power leads a large team of highly experienced lawyers. They challenge and question legal issues in a forensic manner to ensure that no stone is left unturned in representing their client's best interests. Mark McCabe, Keelin Cowhey, Gemma Coady, Katie McAuliffe and Jennifer Henry are stand out lawyers. The team is very professional and is very well resourced to ensure their clients receive an excellent service. Very good to work with. ’
‘Keelin Cowhey stands out as a very professional solicitor whose work is always of the highest calibre. Gemma Coady and Kevin Power also impress.’
‘Kevin Power - despite being a partner within MHC, Kevin will always pick up the phone when called and provide accurate advice and guidance in a concise and structured manner. Keelin Cowhey is a partner within MHC and again, is someone who is easily accessible when needed. Keelin works in collaboration with her clients making sure that the client is kept up to date on all matters and seeks their input making them feel valuable. Katie McAuliffe is a senior associate who is very detailed orientated making sure that everything is covered. Katie takes the time to go through everything provided and then provides a detailed overview which includes very clear advice and actions if needed. David Hickey is a senior associate who again like his colleagues is accessible and reliable. David also has a very calming demeanour which is beneficial when dealing with high pressure situations.'
Key clients
- Clinical Indemnity Scheme of the State Claims Agency
- Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
- Health Service Executive
- Child and Family Agency (Tusla)
- The Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland
- The Irish Medical Council
- St Patrick’s Mental Health Services
- Medisec/MedPro
- Voluntary Healthcare Forum
Work highlights
Advised Emeis Ireland (formerly Orpea) on the sale and leaseback of three brand-new nursing homes to Healthcare Activos, marking Healthcare Activos’ first entry into Ireland.
Acted for Neuraxpharm Pharmaceuticals and Neuraxpharm Ireland in the defence High Court litigation involving Biogen MA Inc and Biogen International.