McCann FitzGerald LLP has a well-developed commercial litigation practice, coupled with strength in contentious public law matters; it has vast experience in judicial reviews and statutory appeals. It has achieved further growth in highly-regulated areas, including data protection, market abuse regulations and competition. Catherine Derrig has an established reputation in commercial and regulatory disputes, and is also noted for contentious competition matters. ‘Top class litigator’ Rosaleen Byrne is a leader in contentious regulatory matters, including financial services and telecoms cases. Helen Kilroy is a seasoned figure in shareholder disagreements and breach of warranty claims, and in insurance disputes. Roddy Bourke is an outstanding practitioner in product liability cases. Brian Quigley and Ciara Ryan are also highly rated. Bébhinn Bollard and Amy Brick were promoted to the partnership in May 2023. Karyn Harty has left the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘MF are unique because they take great care to understand your business and how they can add value in whatever discipline is required. They are innovative in so far as they invest in young companies in the hope that a deeper relationship will prevail at a later stage. They take a very collaborative approach in everything they do, valuing their customers greatly.’
‘I have to say that throughout my whole relationship with MF, I always felt like they had my back and had our interest at heart. Their people are a class act, equipped with the necessary skills to excel above the competition coupled with a wonderful easy going relationship management style designed to put their customers at ease. It's hard to single out individuals but Rory and Catherine as partners are humble and sincere but more importantly steeped with integrity in everything they do. Their teams follow their lead, which makes the whole MF experience so easy. Many organisations could learn from their approach to looking after customers.
‘Michelle Doyle is pragmatic and solutions-focused. She understands service delivery and gets the job done quickly and efficiently. She is microscopic in her analysis and presents it in a user friendly manner. Ciara Ryan is an excellent technical lawyer and is comprehensive in her file knowledge. She is pragmatic and focused in addressing client needs.’
‘Helen Kilroy is someone you want on your side when there's a fight at play. She has a unique ability to distill complex technical information and find a solution to a problem that no one has yet thought of. Catherine Derrig has an ability to find the crux of the problem, and turn it into a positive for the client.’
‘The MCF team are genuinely a pleasure to deal with, from my perspective as a barrister. They are universally smart, commercial in their outlook and never get too flustered.’
‘Beibhinn Bollard, recently appointed a partner, is smart, hard working and unflappable. Rosaleen Byrne is a top-class litigator who is a pleasure to deal with, while always protecting her client's interests. Michael Coonan is smart and sensible. Helen Kilroy is the best mediator in the country.’
‘Bebhinn Bollard is a stand out partner, she combines exceptional ability with a calm demeanour and strategic focus. ’
‘Audrey Byrne stands out as an impressive litigator and investigator, able to simplify the most complex fact patterns to get to the heart of the problem. A pleasure to work with.’
Key clients
- Altum Capital Management LLC
- Amazon
- Biogen MA Inc and Biogen International GmbH (“Biogen”)
- Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS)
- Central Bank of Ireland
- CHC Ireland DAC
- Commission for Communications Regulation
- DAF Trucks NV and DAF Trucks Deutschland GmbH
- Davy Hickey
- DePuy International Limited
- Dublin Airport Authority plc
- Galway County Council
- General Motors
- Grunenthal GmbH
- Hypertrust Limited (part of the Loyola Group), Aberken Limited (part of the Chris Kelly Group)
- Irish Bank Resolution Corporation (in Special Liquidation)
- Limerick City and County Council
- Malin Corporation plc
- Marlet Property Group
- Mediahuis Ireland Group Limited
- MGG California LLC
- National Transport Authority
- Origin Enterprises Plc
- Ronan Real Estate Group Limited
- Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority
- SMBC Aviation Capital Limited, Global Aviation Equipment Leasing 1 Ireland Limited and Wilmington Trust SP Services (Dublin) Limited
- The Sellers of Barracuda FX Limited
- The Voluntary Health Insurance Board
- Trafalgar Trafhold Limited, Instantania Holdings Limited, Kamara Limited and Bairiki Incorporated
- Transport Infrastructure Ireland
Work highlights
- Represented SMBC Aviation Capital in Commercial Court proceedings, in which it seeks an indemnity from its insurers (16 different insurers across multiple jurisdictions, including Lloyds insurers), arising out of the loss of 34 aircraft on lease to Russian airlines.
- Acted for Irish Bank Resolution Corporation (in Special Liquidation) in its action against EY, claiming damages for breach of contract, negligence and breach of duty in relation to EY’s audit of Anglo’s financial statements from 1996 to 2008 and its failure to identify certain transactions carried out by Anglo’s former chairman, Sean FitzPatrick, with Irish Nationwide Building Society in connection with his loans with Anglo between 1996 and 2008.
- Acted for the Central Bank of Ireland in relation to the application of the Russian sanctions regime to winding up proceedings and a directions application brought in respect of what is likely to be a significant litigation.
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 associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Bébhinn Bollard
McCann FitzGerald LLP
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.
Michael Murphy, Ciara Ryan