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Dispute resolution

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William Fry LLP

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William Fry LLP remains a significant player in the dispute resolution field, routinely landing a major market share of instructions in cases before the Commercial Court. Beyond the courts, it has an established record in arbitration, mediation and commercial negotiations. The firm continues to build its presence in regulatory investigations and is prominent in partnership and shareholder disputes. Garrett Breen heads the team and has more than 30 years’ experience in dispute resolution, while Paul Convery  is an established name in large-scale disputes, including sanctions and derogations litigation, competition cases and financial disputes. Fergus Doorly , Laura Murdock and Mary Cooney are also rated. Deirdre O’Donovan was promoted to the partnership in 2024, while Owen O’Sullivan is a top practitioner and has now completed his stint as managing partner.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Mary Cooney is superb. She is knowledgable, wise and empathetic. She responds immediately to queries and deals with matters efficiently and expertly. Compared to my experience with other solicitors (in other firms) she stands out. Highly recommended.’

  • ‘Gerard James is extremely proactive and his willingness to go out on the ground to determine the realities of situations is very valuable to us as a client. He is determined to thoroughly understand the situation in order to provide the best advice he can.’

  • ‘Margaret Muldowney, Mary Cooney and Barry Murphy collaborate very well together, which collaboration translates into an excellent service for clients. A standout feature is their ability to promptly devise a strategy by which they can achieve their client's needs.’

  • 'Owen O'Sullivan is a master strategist who keeps his eyes on the prize and does not lose focus.’

  • ‘Paul Convery is a highly respected and experienced litigator. Very calm under pressure. Paul is always focused on achieving the best commercial result for the client.’

  • ‘Garrett Breen is hugely experienced and a pleasure to work with. Laura Murdock, partner, and Adele Hall, senior associate, are both excellent, always on top of their files, very responsive and highly effective in their roles.’

  • ’‘William Fry's dispute resolution team is a highly impressive team of experienced lawyers who know how to cut through the issues and find strategies and resolutions that best serve their client's interests. ’

  • ‘Deirdre O'Donovan of William Fry is a stand out solicitor. Her ability is immense. I have seen her remain calm, focussed and think strategically even under the greatest pressure. A client would be lucky to have Deirdre on their side. ’

Key clients

  • Coimisiún na Meán
  • Havila Kystruten
  • Kilsaran Concrete
  • Donegal County Council
  • VTG
  • Home for Life
  • Dr Edmond Harty
  • Dermosciences Limited
  • Tom Bailey
  • Aer Lingus
  • Maybourne Hotel Group
  • Tesco Ireland Limited
  • CPL Resources Limited
  • US Bank National Association
  • Bank of New York Mellon
  • Lloyds Insurance
  • Boots Ireland
  • Deliveroo (Roofoods)
  • Eli Lilly
  • GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
  • Just Eat Ireland
  • Hines Ireland Limited
  • EirGrid
  • Qudos Insurance (In Bankruptcy)
  • Westair Aviation

Work highlights

  • Advised Coimisiún na Meán on its implementation of a new regulatory regime for online safety.
  • Advised Havila Kystruten on their successful application to the Irish High Court for recognition of a court order obtained in the High Courts of England and Wales for the purposes of obtaining a derogation from the Central Bank of Ireland.
  • Acted as Irish Counsel for Wells Fargo Bank, US Bank National Association, Deutsche Bank Trust Company and Bank of New York Mellon in the defence of multi-billion dollar proceedings currently before the Supreme Court of the State of New York.

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.
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.
Mary Cooney
William Fry LLP

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Garrett Breen

Other key lawyers

Owen O’Sullivan, Paul Convery, Fergus Doorly, Laura Murdock, Deirdre O’Donovan, Laura Scott, Hilary Rogers, Gerard James, Michelle Martin, Margaret Muldowney, Mary Cooney, Adele Hall, Barry Murphy