Recognised for its significant contentious media practice, McCann FitzGerald LLP acts in high-profile, complex and sensitive disputes. The team is a first port of call for clients facing urgent reputational risk, regulatory challenges or cross-border online disputes, drawing on deep commercial litigation expertise brought by practice head Audrey Byrne. Alongside its disputes strength, the practice provides sophisticated advisory support, including pre-publication review, risk management for publishers, and advice on film financing, funding and sponsorship arrangements. Alan Heuston leads the betting and gaming group, which assists domestic and international operators in the gambling industry.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Alan Heuston - Helpful, available, and pragmatic.
- Helpful, available, and pragmatic.
- The team effectuated a good settlement with reasonable terms on behalf of my company. They were prepared and necessarily pragmatic throughout the process. This saved the company money and potential reputational harm.
- They are adept at distinguishing Irish and US law, which is useful for my company.
- ‘Fearless but pragmatic and considerate to client needs, Audrey inspires confidence in her team's ability to look after your needs and to consider your queries thoughtfully. She's calm, in control and very easy to work with.'
- ‘This team are very experienced in high profile advisory work and litigation involving regulatory law. They have been involved in the leading cases in this jurisdiction and as a result bring a wealth of experience to their clients when advising them. I would highly recommend this team for any client in need of robust assistance with a complex matter.’
- ‘The McCann Fitzgerald reputation management team is technically the strongest that I have worked with. Reputation management disputes in Ireland almost invariably involve a complex transnational element. Detailed and secure knowledge of the underlying legal position with all of its complexities is critical. McCann Fitzgerald is a real market leader in that regard. ’
- ‘Conal O'Doherty is probably the strongest associate level lawyer that I have worked with in this area.’
- 'Well-versed individuals who not only have deep technical expertise but who also make themselves readily available, keep matters moving efficiently, and approach even routine issues with care and attention. This dependability and collaborative spirit set them apart from many other firms.’
- 'Alan Heuston has been outstanding in not only advising on the existing legal framework but also in offering valuable insights into the ongoing gambling reform. Similarly, Ian Hanrahan has been exceptional. The level of client care demonstrated by both Alan, Ian, and the wider team is what truly distinguishes this firm from its competitors.’
Key clients
- Premier Lotteries Ireland DAC
- Amazon
- Buzzfeed
- Georgetown University Press
- The Clooney Foundation
- LinkedIn (Hanff)
- LinkedIn (O’Mordha)
- RTÉ
- Helium Arts
- Coimisiún na Meán
- X Corp (Twitter Ireland Unlimited Company)
Work highlights
Acted for Amazon Digital UK Limited, Amazon Media EU SARL, Amazon Data Services Ireland Limited and Amazon Europe Core SARL in the defence of High Court defamation proceedings.
Advising Georgetown University Press in the defence of defamation proceedings.
Advising operators in the betting and gaming market with regard to the application and renewal of Irish remote betting licences.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Audrey Byrne; Alan Heuston
Other key lawyers
Bébhinn Bollard; Conal O'Doherty; Jaime Flattery; Ian Hanrahan