Matheson LLP‘s sizeable insurance group has a longstanding reputation for its strength in corporate insurance and insurance litigation. Darren Maher leads on the corporate insurance side, which has notable experience advising on large-scale M&A, portfolio transfers and group reorganisations, as well as technical and strategic corporate governance and regulatory matters. The team is increasingly sought out for advice on reinsurance issues, sanctions, ESG work and DORA implementation, and is highly active in advising intermediaries. April McClements, Julie Murphy-O’Connor and Karen Reynolds jointly lead on insurance disputes. A core strength of the contentious practice is complex coverage disputes, with experience in significant aircraft cases. Gráinne Callanan, Aisling Kavanagh and Elaine Long are other key contacts.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Communication, clear understanding of what is required throughout the team for the client. Depth of resourcing.’
- ‘Matheson are at the pulse of insurance in Ireland with a very strong team in Gráinne Callanan and Darren Maher. The approach is always professional with a keen commercial outcome driven lens whilst at the same time cognisant of legal and regulatory obligations.’
- ‘Gráinne Callanan's dedication and engagement are second to none. You always feel 100% supported as the client. Gráinne is a true trusted adviser and her insights are invaluable.’
- ‘Deep industry knowledge matched with experience.’
- ‘April McClements is excellent in terms of insurance knowledge, responsiveness, and her solutions-focus. When advice is received you know it is "bullet proof" which enables us as an insurer to make informed decisions on our criteria.’
- ‘Gráinne Callanan - extremely knowledgeable, can opine on all areas of insurance law and regulation with a level of assurance that inspires confidence. Responsive and commercially orientated.’
- ‘Darren Maher - very conscious of all stakeholders including the regulator position. Very reliable partner to work with you on delivery of key strategic requirements from a legal perspective.’
- ‘April McClements is a joy to work with. Professional, excellent knowledge and a unique focus that aligns to our objectives.’
- April McClements Julie Murphy-O'Connor - Very experienced litigators who are client-focused and commercial in approach.
- The Financial Institutions Group is very knowledgeable about all corporate and regulatory issues, with a particular focus on insurance-related matters. This makes them a well-rounded partner to advise us on the regulatory aspects of acquisitions and restructurings.
Key clients
- Amtrust International Underwriters DAC Aon Group Aviva Arch Companjon Compre Holdings Limited Ecclesiastical Insurance Office PLC FBD Insurance Office PLC Fidelis Insurance Holdings Limited Utmost Group Mapfre Asistencia Compania Internacional de Seguros y Reaseguros S.A. Monument Re Group PartnerRe Ireland Insurance DAC Royal London Travelers Companies Inc. United Health Inc. Octium Life DAC Kota Arthur J Gallagher
Work highlights
Advised Octium Life Designated Activity Company on the intra-group reorganisation between it and Octium Assurance Aktiengesellschaft.
Advised Aon UK Limited on the Irish corporate and regulatory law aspects of its acquisition of Griffiths & Armour to include advising on its engagement with the Central Bank of Ireland in relation to the acquisition.
Advised Medical Insurance Company DAC (MIC) and Bothnia International Insurance Company Limited in relation to the corporate, regulatory and court aspects of the transfer of the entire book of MIC to Bothnia.
Lawyers
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Practice head
Darren Maher; April McClements; Julie Murphy-O'Connor; Karen Reynolds
Other key lawyers
Gráinne Callanan; Elaine Long; Aisling Kavenagh