Fielding a team of real estate experts with ‘deep market knowledge, commercial awareness, and the ability to navigate complex transactions’, McCann FitzGerald LLP advises on the full lifecycle of real estate matters, commercial landlord and tenant disputes and risk management work. Stephen Proctor leads the group, which includes Richard Leonard , who has in-depth knowledge of commercial real estate work, with a particular focus on the life sciences and consumer healthcare sectors. Jennifer Halpin handles the full spectrum of asset classes, often acting for developers, bank lenders, landlord, tenants, local authorities, statutory authorities and non-profit organisations. Emily Mac Nicholas has a proven track record in complex real estate transactions, while Shane Fahy handles a range of large-scale refinancings, acquisitions and disposals. Shane Sweeney maintains an impressive client portfolio across the pharmaceutical, financial, public, and retail sectors, and Donal O'Raghallaigh is a key contact for developers, insolvency practitioners, lenders and public bodies. Ruairí Stewart and Philip Flaherty are other strong figures within the group.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- The practice is unique because of the people they have. The individuals at all levels within the organisation act not only as legal professionals but also as a solid sounding board for ideas and problems. They successfully foster personal as well as working relationships, which makes working with them efficient and a pleasure.
- “Jennifer Halpin is, in our experience, the best property and transaction lawyer in Dublin and was absolutely key to the success of some of our largest and most complex transactions. Jennifer's exceptional legal skills, efficiency, precision, and polished delivery sets her well apart, and she is undoubtedly head and shoulders above other firms in the market.'
- “Donal O Raghallaigh is well versed in managing and advising on real estate law and interfacing with commercial and banking aspects. Always responsive, professional and calm. Edel Corry is responsive, knowledgeable, good work rate. Works well with fellow lawyers.'
- 'Jen Halpin is an excellent property lawyer. She is dedicated, practical and approachable and has a calm and measured approach, always providing clear advice. It is always a pleasure dealing with Jen and her property team.'
- 'Tom Dane is a highly skilled lawyer, very commercially minded and always approachable. He is highly experienced, understands his client's needs, is always available and provides top class service with clear and practical advice.'
- “Shane Fahy is always responsive and delivers really insightful advice to get a transaction done. Thoughtful and polished, he is great to work with in contentious situations as always laser focused on getting the right outcome for his client.'
- “We have been supported by a number of people across the real estate team in McCann FitzGerald, but the largest part of that support has come from Richard Leonard, Partner, and Katie Boyle, Associate. I have found them to be extremely responsive and professional. They have been very comprehensive in their advice and drafting of documents.'
- 'There are three key aspects of their service which I feel have been extremely important to us as we navigate our way through the lease process; 1. A clear demonstration of knowledge and understanding of the area and the ability to bring experience from other deals to bear to benchmark and reference our own position, 2. The ability to be able to explain even complex situations in plain English without unnecessary jargon, 3. Demonstrating a strong sense of looking after our company's interests.'
- ‘What sets this team apart is its deep market knowledge, commercial awareness, and ability to navigate complex transactions with clarity and precision. The team consistently demonstrates strong collaboration, responsiveness, and a client-first approach compared to other firms. McCann FitzGerald stands out for its ability to combine technical excellence with practical, solution-oriented advice. The team is proactive, commercially minded, and highly attuned to the needs of institutional investors and developers.'
Key clients
- Hammerson plc
- Primary Health Properties REIT
- IPUT plc
- Ardstone Partners ICAV
- Mannok Holdings
- MSD International GmbH – Irish Branch / Merck & Co., Inc
- Almac Pharmaceuticals Group (Ireland) Limited
- ReGEN Aviation Limited
- Irish Strategic Infrastructure Fund (ISIF)
- Tristan Capital Partners
- Morgan Stanley
- The Joint Receivers over certain assets of the RGRE Group and Johnny Ronan
- Kerry Co-Operative Creameries
- Blackstone
- Marlet Property Group
- The joint receivers of certain assets of TIO North Docks DAC
- Bank of Ireland
- Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
- Cairn Homes p.l.c
- Housing Finance Agency p.l.c
Work highlights
Advised MSD International GmbH as its lead outside counsel on its acquisition of a vaccines manufacturing facility at Dundalk, Co. Louth, Ireland from WuXi Vaccines Ireland Limited.
Advised Marlet Property Group on the high-profile letting to Workday of the College Square office development.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Donal O Raghallaigh
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.
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
Stephen Proctor
Other key lawyers
Richard Leonard; Jennifer Halpin; Emily Mac Nicholas; Shane Fahy; Shane Sweeney; Donal O Raghallaigh; Edel Corry; Tom Dane; Katie Boyle; Paddy Roche; Kate Mulholland; Ruairí Stewart; Philip Flaherty