David O'Shea
William Fry LLPWilliam Fry LLP continues to be noted for corporate lending, acquisition and leveraged finance, real estate finance and receivables financings. Energy and infrastructure financings are another forte. The firm is close to Ireland’s top lenders, though is best known for its advice to corporate borrowers and private equity sponsors. Jason Hollis specialises in technology and life sciences financings, along with cross-border transactions. Padraic Kinsella is an experienced figure in acquisition finance, real estate finance and corporate lending. Lyn Brennan has now returned to Dublin after a stint in New York. Energy and infrastructure finance specialist Ciarán Herlihy and Cork-based Laura Houlihan are also key partners.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘WF have some outstanding individual partners who provide best in class service as banking lawyers. Jason Hollis is a great example of a lawyer we trust and like working with. He not only has good legal technical knowledge, but is able to clearly communicate the risks and mitigations of a situation and advise on the best course of action. He has a risk-based approach and focuses on the key material items rather than getting caught up on non-material points.'
‘William Fry's banking team have consistently provided my team with exceptional service and expertise. Throughout my time working with them, I have consistently been impressed by their proactive approach to every aspect of our business dealings.'
‘Padraic Kinsella, in my opinion, is one of the strongest banking lawyers I have worked with in the Irish market. Padraic demonstrates a deep understanding of the commercial landscape and tailors his advice to meet the unique needs of each transaction. His attention to detail, combined with a forward thinking mindset, has proven invaluable in helping me navigate complex financings with confidence.’
‘Padraic Kinsella is my go to person. Even if not his area of expertise, he will ensure he connects me with the right person and I can tell he has made them aware of the value of the relationship as the service is as if coming directly from him.'
‘Lyn Brennan is one of the best lawyers in Ireland with the right mix of aligning all work with client requirements and then delivering expert legal advice. She is incredibly committed to her clients. Another major skill of Lyn's is her ability to draw on expertise across William Fry as required to deliver superior client outcomes.'
‘Ciarán Herlihy, in particular, was available, responsive and had a great commercial knowledge of the industry.’
‘Ciarán Herhily's ability to engage with clients, address concerns and lead the deals is outstanding.’
‘Jason Hollis - gifted lawyer and knows his stuff; easy to get on with and has great client engagement. Ciarán Herlihy - great client relationship partner and excellent to work alongside. Padraic Kinsella - very knowledgeable and great to work with on transactional matters. David O'Shea - exceptional senior associate - one to keep an eye on.’
Key clients
- Ardagh Packaging Group
- Allied Irish Banks
- Apollo Global Management
- Ares Management Limited
- Australia & New Zealand Banking Group
- Bank of America Europe
- Bank of Ireland
- Barings Bank
- BentallGreenOak
- Blackrock
- Bibby Financial Services
- Clayton, Dubliner & Rice
- Colony Capital
- Cooperative Rabobank
- Credit Suisse
- Davy
- Deutsche Bank
- Diageo
- Dutch Infrastructure Fund
- Echelon
- Eiffel Investments
- EirGrid
- EQT
- European Investment Bank
- Goldman Sachs
- Hayfin
- Hines
- Home for Life
- ING Bank
- Investec Bank PLC
- JP Morgan Chase
- Kennedy Wilson
- Lazard
- Lloyds Banking Group
- MUFG
- Munich Re
- Natixis
- Nuveen
- Oaktree Capital Managament
- OakNorth
- Orange Capital Partners
- OTP Bank
- Oxford Finance
- PIMCO
- PNC
- Porsche International Financing
- Raiffeisenbank CZ
- Real I.S.
- RGA Reinsurance
- Santander
- Silicon Valley Bank
- SIRO
- Skillsoft
- Smurfit Kappa
- Société Générale
- State Street
- Taconic
- TPG
- Uniphar
- Westridge
Work highlights
- Advised Echelon Data Centres and its shareholder, Nimol Holdings, on the acquisition of an €850 million equity stake in the business by Starwood Capital and the simultaneous refinancing of its debt.
- Acted for Smurfit Kappa Group on its combination with WestRock Company to create Smurfit Westrock, including all financing arrangements for the combination.
- Advised a lending syndicate of global financial institutions on the $6.8bn secured financing for the Flutter Group.
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.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Padraic Kinsella, Shane Kelleher