Hayes Solicitors LLP is recognised for its broad media and entertainment offering, advising across regulatory matters, rights issues and commercial arrangements. Newspapers, publishers, authors and film makers turn to the group for pre-publication legal advice on books, biographies, contemporary writing and scripts. David Phelan, who oversees the practice, advises a wide range of media clients on publication risks, agreements and content-related commercial matters. The team also supports brands and advertising agencies on contracts and copy clearance, represents plaintiffs and defendants in defamation proceedings, and assists clients with regulatory obligations.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: NPS ®

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Laura Fannin is a pleasure to deal with, always prompt and responsive, and provides clear, client-ready advice. She is my go-to Irish adviser for consumer and advertising law matters.’

Key clients

  • NK Management
  • The Irish Times
  • Yellow Path Productions (podcast and film production company)
  • Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc
  • Tara Studios
  • Ogilvy
  • An Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha
  • Publicis
  • Institute of Advertising Practitioners in Ireland
  • Newspaper Licensing Ireland Limited
  • Revelate Fitness
  • TBWA Dublin

Work highlights

Representing The Irish Times in all media and commercial/contractual matters, involving pre-publication review of the newspaper content, dealing with defending privacy and defamation complaints and advising on IT contractual matters.
Advising the Institute of Advertising Practitioners in Ireland on all media and technology matters that arise in the context of advertising, including drafting agreements and advising on issues around copyright, data protection and the EU AI Act.
Advising and representing celebrity talents with Noel Kelly Management, which includes advising on their agreements with TV and Radio broadcasters and various sponsors.

Lawyers

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

David Phelan

Other key lawyers

Laura Fannin