Mason Hayes & Curran LLP's technology practice is active in advising its clientele of global, blue-chip companies on cyber security, licensing agreements, and data protection compliance; compliance is a key area of strength for the firm, which has seen significant work related to complying with, and the intersection between, DORA, the EU DSA, and the EU AI act. Practice head Philip Nolan is an expert in GDPR compliance and routinely assists with regulatory matters, while Robert McDonagh has carved out a niche in public technology procurement projects. Other integral members of the team are outsourcing contract specialists Wendy Hederman, Dermot McGirr, and Mark Fry.
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Profile
Work Department
Technology
Position
Partner, Technology
Career
Robert is a partner in the leading Privacy and Data Security and Technology, Sourcing and Innovation teams at Mason Hayes & Curran. He helps major tech and other companies successfully implement global privacy, transfer and digital compliance programs.
He assists clients with how best to strategically manage security incidents and privacy related regulatory engagement and claims. Robert also works with major tech and other companies in developing and refining specialist product and service terms, particularly those with a privacy dimension. In addition, he acts as trusted advisor on complex technology and outsourcing deals and has a niche expertise in procurement as a result of leading on significant public tech projects like the National Broadband Project and National Postcode Project.
Robert is known as an astute lawyer with a keen eye for detail, whilst always remaining business savvy. Robert excels at strategic and long-term thinking and an ability to scenario plan for all contingencies.
He also helps clients with complex pan-European digital advisory mandates, as well technology and outsourcing deals. He has a niche expertise in procurement due to the significant public sector projects he has worked on such as the National Broadband Project, National Postcode project and others.
Memberships
IAPP (International Association of Privacy Professionals); Procurement Law Forum (founding committee member); Irish Society for European Law.
Education
University College Dublin, Ireland, (BBLS).
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I have instructed Dermott McGirr on numerous occasions to review and negotiate IT agreements. He is a particularly strong advisor in the area and has been able to quickly understand fairly complex software agreements and advise on content. He is also adept at suggesting alternative or better ways to structure agreements to achieve the desired outcomes for the business.’
‘Mason Hayes & Curran LLP has a deep familiarity with regulations, industry norms, and regulatory expectations. The firm has consistently provided high quality advice in a clear and organized manner that has allowed us to move confidently in quickly evolving areas of law.’
‘Wendy Hederman is a stand-out partner at Mason Hayes & Curran - she is a reliable source of excellent, detailed legal advice, even under tight timelines. Her advice is actionable and easy to digest.’
‘Mark Fry is an excellent responsive lawyer, who provides clear, considered, practical advice. Part of his expertise is his ability to explain legal risks to business stakeholders in terms they will understand and then ably negotiate on their behalf. He is also very skilled at providing more detailed advice on complex legal matters to in-house legal teams.’
‘My interaction with Mr Brian McElligott impressed upon me his comprehensive knowledge of technology legislation and his balanced opinion on the specific area of Artificial Intelligence. His AI Review 2023 is essential reading for all.’
‘Brian McElligott really stands out in the AI legal market - he and MHC were very much "ahead of the curve" in terms of setting up Brian's specific AI practice and have done trojan work on establishing themselves as the frontrunner in this market. Brian's technical expertise and warm manner only serve to augment this.'
‘Brian McElligott is a partner on the Technology Law team and leads MHC's AI team. I’ve collaborated with Brian on several inquiries regarding the EU’s AI Act, and his advice has consistently been clear and concise, even in this evolving legislative landscape. He also provides regular updates to our team, ensuring we stay informed about the latest developments in AI law.’
‘Philip Nolan always sees the big picture whenever we bring him in to evaluate legal issues. He has developed vast experience through various levels of regulatory engagement to where he can quickly articulate how he thinks a legal position may be received by regulators or the public. With that said, his legal analysis skills are extremely sharp and he is always able to map a position that he advocates back to specific regulations, regulatory guidance, or case law.’
Key clients
- Enterprise Ireland
- Meta Platforms Ireland Limited
- The Scalers Limited
- Ancestry
- Concern Worldwide
- NetApp
- Encirc
Work highlights
Advised Stripe on aspects of adopting and deploying generative AI.
Advising Meta and WhatsApp on the negotiation of bespoke commercial arrangements.
Advised Ancestry on its online user terms and its platform online interfaces to assess compatibility with various e-commerce and consumer protection laws.