The team at Dentons Ireland LLP is a go-to for media defence work, with a wealth of experience in defamation defence for major broadcasters in particular. Karyn Harty and Lesley Caplin lead the team, both of whom are noted for their expertise in handling complex, high-value disputes. The team is also well-equipped to handle white collar mandates in the media sector, as well as pre-publication and content advice for global productions. Mark O’Shaughnessy recently bolstered the team, bringing additional media and IP expertise.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Excellent complementary skill set - analytical, research, legal knowledge, relationship management. Highly motivated, enthusiastic, high energy. A very happy team. Personable but also professional.’
- ‘I would single out Karyn Harty as providing an exceptional level of service and support.'
- ‘Karyn Harty and Lesley Caplin are extremely easy to work with, very knowledgeable about freedom of expression issues and media law in Ireland and are pragmatic and practical lawyers who give effective advice to progress litigation in a client's favour.’
- ‘Karyn Harty and Lesley Caplin are outstanding leaders and the best in the business. They are professional, approachable and technology innovators. Great with clients too.’
- ‘Julian Michael demonstrated exceptional technical and sector expertise, providing incisive and actionable advice on a knotty legal problem in a pragmatic, no-nonsense manner.’
- 'I would not hesitate to recommend Karyn Harty.’
Key clients
- British Broadcasting Corporation
- Sky
- Channel 4 & Blakeway Productions
- ITN
- Unite the Union
Work highlights
Represented the BBC in two key defamation actions in Dublin's High Court, including the high-profile jury trial involving former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams regarding allegations made in a Spotlight documentary.
Represented Channel 4 and Blakeway Productions in a significant defamation case brought by Ryanair over a Dispatches documentary about fuel practices, securing the withdrawal of the claim after nearly 12 years of litigation.
Instructed to represent the Walt Disney Co in respect of a claim by Marian Price, one of the Price sisters, who featured in the Disney series Say Nothing.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Karyn Harty; Lesley Caplin
Other key lawyers
Mark O'Shaughnessy; Julian Michael