Mason Hayes & Curran LLP has a huge market share of representing clients before the High Court. It continues to be active in ADR and mediation, and is further noted for its specialisation in financial services, technology, life sciences, built environment and energy. The firm is also rated for public law and judicial review cases, and is at the forefront of regulatory investigations. Maurice Phelan leads the team and is a big name in the market. Colin Monaghan is rated for technology cases and regulatory investigations, while Peter Johnston is growing in stature. Former managing partner Declan Black is another senior figure in the team and Liam Guidera heads the white-collar crime and investigations practice.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The MHC Dispute Resolution team brings a sophisticated understanding of their clients’ strategic and commercial objectives to the resolution of commercial disputes. The depth of technical knowledge and expertise means that potentially contentious matters are identified at an early (often embryonic) stage, which, coupled with timely advice, facilitates prompt resolution. MHC personnel are friendly and extremely responsive to their clients’ needs.’
‘Frank Flanagan is unparalleled when it comes to technical expertise across a breadth of subject areas. His facility with complex and obscure issues, coupled with a masterful command of court procedures, results in timely, cost-effective and innovative solutions, both in a court context and otherwise. Where a court application is required, Frank rarely fails to deliver the result.'
‘Peter Johnston is excellent. Possibly the best litigator of his generation in the Irish market.’
‘Colin Monaghan, partner - expert knowledge with a down to earth approach. Provides insightful, pragmatic advice and is a pleasure to work with. Katie Doyle, solicitor - provides clear, practical advice in a friendly and confident manner.’
‘Maurice Phelan reads the room and tailors delivery of his advice accordingly to ensure that it lands. He brings huge experience to complex litigation matters but also brings a calm influence in sometimes heated and difficult circumstances. He is an excellent communicator at all levels.’
‘I found Maurice Phelan to be the best by far I have encountered in terms of dispute resolution. He inspires confidence and combines it with strong communication. Fast response. Urgency when needed. Calmness when needed and, above all else, a deep insight into what the other side is thinking, what they will do next and the understanding of how overwhelmed his client can be in the situation they have found themselves in.'
‘Peter Johnston is a stand-out partner, not just within MHC, but in this field. He is a brilliant litigator with exceptional ability and commitment to client service. But more than that, he focuses strategically on what you as the client require in your industry and tailors his advice accordingly.'
‘Colin Monaghan was extremely competent from the outset and was confident all would be resolved. He put my mind at ease during my first conversation with him, during an incredibly stressful time in my life. Any other lawyer or anyone I spoke to made it clear it would be very very difficult to take a case against the landlord in question (who was using various bullying tactics to intimidate me). All was resolved within a matter of days.’

Key clients

CDB Aviation DAC
WhatsApp Ireland Limited
Bank of Scotland plc
Meridian Global VAT Services
Commission for Communications Regulation
Skysong Innovations LLC
Meta Platforms Ireland Limited
Permanent TSB Plc
Commission for Communications Regulation
Commission for Regulation of Utilities

Work highlights

Acted for CDB Aviation in its insurance claim to recover the sum of approximately €411m from its insurers, arising from losses sustained from the leasing of nine aircraft to various Russian airlines.
Acted for Meta in appeals and judicial review proceedings before the Irish High Court, as well as annulment actions before the General Court of the European Union, of four separate decisions of the Irish Data Protection Commission to fine Meta for infringements of the GDPR.
Acted for Coolmore Stud and Ballydoyle Racing in High Court Commercial List proceedings against Glanbia Foods Ireland.