William Fry LLP has a flourishing practice in domestic and cross-border insolvencies and restructurings. It has landed prime engagements in numerous multi-billion-dollar restructurings and insolvencies, including US Chapter 11 plans. Fergus Doorly has an established reputation, having advised clients in some of the biggest recent matters in the market, thanks to his connections to senior restructuring practitioners and other international law firms. Ruairi Rynn is also a key partner. Consultant Barbara Galvin is a rising star, having joined the firm from Eversheds Sutherland in November 2022. Since publication, Craig Sowman left the firm.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Tier 1 firm with none of the arrogance or ego. Really grounded people operating right at the top of their profession. As a client, the level of service is superior to anyone in the market. They are my go-to firm.’

  • ‘Fergus Doorly - gentleman and hall of fame candidate. Unflappable in the greatest of crises. Incredibly astute and thorough. A pleasure to deal with. Ruairi Rynn - top of his profession. Really strong at getting to the route of the issue. Top class client engagement.’

  • ‘Really good firm and deep experience in the sector.’

  • ‘Fergus Doorly and Ruairi Rynn - excellent and very experienced insolvency solicitors.’

  • ‘Responsive, practical and strong technically. Strong team and not just reliant on one individual.’

  • ‘Affable, professional, strong technically, trustworthy and unquestionable integrity.’

Key clients

  • Interpath
  • KPMG
  • EY
  • PwC
  • Azets
  • Grant Thornton
  • Deloitte
  • Kroll
  • RSM Ireland
  • Kirby Healy Chartered Accountants
  • Teneo
  • Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
  • Bank of Ireland
  • National Asset Management Agency
  • Attestor Capital
  • Fitzwalter Capital
  • Nordic Aviation Capital
  • Pointwell Limited
  • Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA and related companies
  • Montrose Global Aircraft Leasing Limited and subsidiaries
  • Weatherford International Plc.
  • Naval Group S.A.
  • Eurosurgical Limited (In Liquidation)

Work highlights

  • Advised an ad hoc group of bondholders, led by Attestor Capital, on securing orders for the liquidation of Russian state-owned and internationally sanctioned GTLK Europe Capital DAC and its parent, GTLK Europe DAC.
  • Advised Nordic Aviation Capital DAC in respect of its $6.8bn debt across various lender silos and in numerous jurisdictions.
  • Advised M&G Investments and Michael McAteer and Nicholas O'Dwyer of Grant Thornton (in their roles as receivers) on the security enforcement against Ronan Group Real Estate.

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.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Fergus Doorly

Other key lawyers

Ruairi Rynn, Niamh Cacciato, Alice O’Connor, Barbara Galvin