A&L Goodbody Northern Ireland LLP‘s ’superb’ finance team maintains its position as a go-to for major Northern Ireland and international banks. Ciaran McAlinney, who specialises in acquisition and leveraged finance, leads the practice and regularly acts on high-value lending transactions. Louise Bailey is recognised for her expertise in real estate finance, securitisations and debt restructuring, while Judith Brown stands out for advising on distressed loans. On the advisory front, Christopher Jessup is well-versed in financial services regulations and handles compliance issues. Hannah McDaid is experienced in cross-border project finance transactions, particularly in the energy sector.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A superb team who specialise in simplifying the complex. I have worked with the banking and finance team across a number of instructions in recent years on high-value transactions, and their commitment to their client and achieving commercial outcomes while navigating legal complexities is unrivalled.’
‘Judith Brown is top of her game, a very committed and experienced partner who drives her clients' outcomes forward. You will go a long way to match the level of service and legal expertise offered by Judith and her team. One of the best in the business at a local market level and well able to mix it with her competitors across the water.’
‘Experienced, knowledgeable and responsive team who are a pleasure to deal with.’
‘Ciaran McAlinney has consistently delivered an exceptional level of service over many years, both in terms of legal knowledge and responsiveness. When Ciaran is involved, we continue to take significant comfort in our position being protected.’
‘Great support, always available.’
‘Ciaran McAlinney - very good, experienced and commercial.’
Key clients
- Irish League of Credit Unions
- Pension Insurance Corporation
- Firstcom Group
- Bank of Ireland UK plc
- Chase Paymentech Europe Limited
- Northern Bank Limited trading as Danske Bank
- Progressive Building Society
- National Westminster Bank plc
- HSBC UK Bank plc
- Bank of Ireland (UK) plc
Work highlights
Act for the Firstcom group of companies, a European cloud telecommunication provider, on a group-wide debt refinance of senior and junior facilities and investment.
Advised the Irish League of Credit Unions on all of its material regulatory issues, particularly in relation to its secured lending guidance note for the Northern Ireland credit unions.
Advised Pension Insurance Corporation (a specialist insurer of defined benefit pension funds) in relation to a £30 million debt investment in Apex, the third largest social housing provider in Northern Ireland, in the form of a private placement tap issue.
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.
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
Ciaran McAlinney
Other key lawyers
Louise Bailey; Judith Brown; Christopher Jessup; Hannah McDaid