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Byrne Wallace Shields

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LK Shields Solicitors LLP and Byrne Wallace merged at the beginning of 2025 to form Byrne Wallace Shields. The construction offering spans all stages of the project lifecycle, handling contentious and contractual issues for private and public sector clients in the residential, transport, and energy industries. Practice head Martin Cooney has expertise in contract negotiation and litigation, appearing frequently before the administrative, civil, and commercial courts in disputes. Jamie Ritchie assists with the full spectrum of construction projects and is also noted for his experience as a litigator, advising on construction and transactional disputes. Fergal Ruane is highly regarded for PPP, infrastructure, and commercial matters.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘A very unique team in terms of its depth of knowledge. The team has a wide breadth of experience in all areas of construction law and acts for a variety of clients.’
  • ‘Martin Cooney and Andrew McVea have detailed knowledge of and understanding of the relevant areas of law required to deliver full advice on construction issues.’
  • ‘Martin Cooney was extremely helpful.’
  • ‘Byrne Wallace Shields' real estate practice is knowledgeable and provides thorough advice. Their attention to detail and client care remain strong.’
  • ‘Jamie Ritchie is a very diligent and knowledgeable solicitor. He is quite adept at identifying the issues that arise or exist quickly. We always find him very responsive, approachable, and well-versed in whatever the matter. He never shows up unprepared.’
  • ‘Excellent construction law and project knowledge.’
  • ‘Martin Cooney is approachable and straight-talking.’
  • ‘The key attributes that made the Byrne Wallace Shields a great team were availability to engage, knowledge sharing to model out different scenarios and acting with a sense of urgency.’

Key clients

  • Environmental Protection Agency
  • B&C Contractors Limited
  • Clúid Housing
  • Redrock Gloucester Street
  • Keppel REIT Datacentres
  • Circle Voluntary Housing Association
  • Dublin City Council
  • McGurran Group
  • Exeter Ireland Property IV Limited
  • Dublin City Council
  • Collen Construction Limited
  • Fingal County Council
  • Kajima Ireland Limited
  • Glasgiven Construction Limited
  • Elkstone Capital Partners Limited
  • Ellwood Homes Development Limited
  • Purcell Construction
  • Fidelis Insurance Ireland DAC
  • McMahon Design and Management Limited
  • CareChoice Group
  • Gowan Motor Distribution Limited
  • Ameresco Limited
  • Seabased
  • Member of the Construction Contracts Adjudication Panel
  • Crane Hire Limited
  • October Investments
  • Manufacturing Conglomerate

Work highlights

  • Advised Clúid Housing on the acquisition of approx. 400 units in a residential housing development and ancillary works in Clarehall, Dublin.
  • Advised Dublin City Council on a Housing Land Initiative to develop three sites in prime locations in Dublin City.
  • Advised Fingal County Council on three projects with a deal value of over €350m.

Lawyers

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.

Martin Cooney

Other key lawyers

Fergal Ruane, Andrew McVea, Jamie Ritchie