McCann FitzGerald LLP advises across a wide range of sectors, including the infrastructure, transport and energy spaces, and also acts for a host of regulatory bodies. The team is led by Eamonn O’Hanrahan, who has extensive experience advising statutory agencies and private clients on public-private partnerships. Sean Barton regularly represents public bodies in defending judicial review actions, while Catherine Derrig handles contentious regulatory issues for numerous public sector clients. Orlaith Sheehy is experienced in both advisory and contentious matters related to public procurement and tendering processes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Rosaleen Byrne defines what it means to be a trusted adviser - always contactable, always willing to listen to the client's point of view, always gives a considered opinion, and always supports her own team, which is important to see as a client.
- The team makes a huge effort to get to know the client and makes it really easy to give client feedback in an effort to genuinely improve the relationship, which is so helpful.
- ‘This team is very experienced in managing contentious regulatory matters, quick to respond with clear and strategic advice.'
- ‘The team continues to deliver expert, strategic advice.’
- ‘Sean Barton is highly expert in the field of legislative drafting and has excellent working knowledge across different categories of proceedings.'
- ‘Knowledge of our organisation, the sector we operate in. Cognisant of environment- politics and a deep understanding of the statutory landscape which we operate under and within, along with our regulatory responsibilities.'
- ‘Eamonn O’Hanrahan has deep knowledge of organisation and legislation, along with stakeholder relationships. He looks around all sorts of future bends in the road to propose creative options and solutions. Eamonn's level of commitment to delivering, especially under demanding deadlines, is exceptional.'
- ‘McCann Fitzgerald has provided an excellent service to our organisation, delivering the appropriate breadth of skills to deal with the various issues we required assistance on. They have a very good understanding of the area in which we operate and provide clear and beneficial advice and assistance.'
- ‘The team would be considered to be industry experts in this sector and have provided valuable advice over a number of years.'
- ‘The individuals, and in particular Orlaith Sheehy, have provided key and strategic advice over a number of years.’
Key clients
- Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU)
- Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg)
- Vhi
- Sea Fisheries Protection Authority
- Central Bank of Ireland
- Transport Infrastructure Ireland
- Courts Service
- National Transport Authority
- IBRC
- Housing Finance Agency
- HISCO
- Research Ireland
- Industrial Development Authority
- CIE
- Charities Regulator
- DAA (Dublin Airport Authority)
- National Development Finance Agency
- EirGrid
- Electoral Commission
- CHC
Work highlights
Acted for ComReg in its investigation and finding of non-compliance against Virgin Media and its subsequent successful Commercial Court proceedings in which non-compliance by Virgin Media was found by the High Court for a failure by it to ensure that its conditions and procedures for contract termination do not act as a disincentive to consumers changing service provider.
Defended the CRU in two significant judicial review proceedings, including applications for injunctive relief, in respect of decisions by CRU and EirGrid not to qualify applicants in an upcoming capacity auction.
Acted for state corporation, Irish Bank Resolution Corporation Limited, in the complex trial of its long-running and high-profile negligent mismanagement proceedings against the former CEO of Irish Nationwide Building Society.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Eamonn O’Hanrahan
Other key lawyers
Sean Barton; Catherine Derrig; Orlaith Sheehy