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.
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Profile
Work Department
Corporate Fraud & Asset Tracing, Commercial Disputes, Banking & Financial Services Disputes, Alternative Dispute Resolution
Position
Partner
Career
Audrey Byrne graduated from University College Dublin (BCL) in 1995 and qualified in 1999. She is currently a Partner at McCann FitzGerald LLP. Audrey’s practice centres on commercial disputes and investigations, with a focus on shareholder disputes, fraud and asset tracing. Audrey has in depth experience in co-ordinating international litigation and investigations in multiple common law and civil law jurisdictions including the Russian Federation, Ukraine, India, Panama, BVI, UAE and Belize and has travelled extensively to local jurisdictions where necessary, acting as lead counsel.
Audrey has extensive commercial court experience and is well versed in managing large scale e-discoveries using the most up to date techniques and platforms, ensuring that discovery is delivered cost effectively and on time. Audrey is a CEDR accredited Mediator and has attended many mediations involving a variety of disputes, both as Mediator and advisor. Client’s value her practical, strategic advice.
Memberships
The Law Society of Ireland, 1999
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘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.’ ‘Bébhinn Bollard is a stand out partner both in this practice and in the market generally. She is extremely responsive, strategic and commercial in her guidance and management of the matter at hand.’
Key clients
- Premier Lotteries Ireland DAC Amazon Buzzfeed Georgetown University Press The Clooney Foundation LinkedIn 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.