William Fry LLP has a highly impressive team with a string of top practitioners at senior, mid and junior levels. The team is led by Garrett Breen, who has more than 30 years’ experience in dispute resolution and is a recognised leader in general commercial litigation, and partnership and shareholder disputes. The firm is frequently engaged in cases admitted to the Commercial List of the High Court, and, like others, the dispute resolution department has developed a greater focus on contentious regulatory matters. Paul Convery is another senior figure, who has appeared in a series of major sanctions-related cases and competition disputes. Fergus Doorly is noted for shareholder disputes, fraud and asset recovery cases. Managing partner Owen O’Sullivan is also rated for shareholder and investment disputes. Mary Cooney is an ‘up and coming star’. Gerard James and Michelle Martin were promoted to partner in 2023. Lisa Carty has left the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘William Fry have a tier 1 litigation team in Dublin. They are involved in many of the main cases, across a huge spectrum of litigation ranging from commercial law to public law. They also have a very interesting mix of private and state/public body clients, which shows how much their litigation skills are in demand.’
‘Laura Scott is one of the leading lights in Irish litigation. She is incredibly calm and measured in her approach and has impeccable judgment. She can turn her hand at any type of litigation and has the "Midas touch" with clients.'
‘Garrett Breen is generally always available or available within a short period of time for a phone call and Michelle Martin has excellent knowledge and provides very clear advice.’
‘Gerard James is a rising star. Attention to detail, enthusiasm and networking skills are outstanding.’
‘Paul Convery is the litigation partner of choice for me at William Fry. He has career-long experience in dispute resolution, and is a calm and collected lawyer with an exceptional client service ethic.’
‘Laura Murdock is very personable to deal with and is a key advisor to us on all matters regarding disputes. She is keen to assist, being responsive where we have tight deadlines. She is a pleasure to work with and remains upbeat at all times.’
‘Hilary Rogers is a standout individual that we worked with. Responsive, tenacious, calm, she quickly became a trusted adviser. She listens well, she understands our values, our risk appetite and gives good advice but is able to tailor our approach. She is very articulate and comes up with really good ideas in terms of strategy and negotiation. We are very glad she is in our corner.’
‘Margaret Muldowney - very experienced litigator, calm, professional and an excellent communicator with clients. Mary Cooney - up and coming star in the firm, passionate about her cases and fights hard for her clients.'
Key clients
- Andrena Moynihan
- Ava Trade (EU) Limited
- Ava Trade Limited
- Avonburg
- Boehringer Ingelheim
- Coimisiún na Meán
- Boots Ireland
- Deliveroo (Roofoods Limited)
- Denis O'Brien and related entities
- Department of Finance
- Dr Edmond Harty
- Donegal County Council
- Eirgrid PLC
- Eli Lilly
- Fingal County Council
- Glanbia DAC / Tirlán
- GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
- Havila Kystruten
- Hines / King Street Capital
- Hines GREIT II Ireland Fund ICAV
- Investor Compensation Company DAC
- Just Eat Ireland
- Kieran Wallace, KPMG (As liquidator)
- Maybourne Hotel Group
- Mazepin, UCCU, Uralchem, Bolotnikova & Konyaev
- Nordic Aviation Capital DAC
- RSM Ireland
- Skyscanner
- Suzuki GB plc
- Swan Hellenic
- Synopsys Inc
- Uniphar
- Valeo
- Zimmer & Peacock AS /Zimmer & Peacock Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Donegal County Council on the defence of 2000+ claims brought by homeowners alleging damage to homes as a result of defective concrete blocks.
- Acted for members of the Qatari Royal Family, Maybourne Hotel Group, Société D'éxploitation Et De Détention Hoteliere Vista, and senior executives of both entities in two sets of defamation proceedings initiated as a result of the alleged publication of purportedly defamatory comments linked to multiple Maybourne developments.
- Represented Cintra Infrastructuras Internacional in a landmark tax case that considered if the sale of shares in an Irish public-private partnership company by a Spanish company was within the charge to Irish capital gains tax.
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.
Deirdre O’Donovan
William Fry LLPLeading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Owen O'Sullivan
William Fry LLP
Paul Convery
William Fry LLPNext Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Laura Murdock
William Fry LLPMary Cooney
William Fry LLPPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Garrett Breen