Walkers has continued to expand its investment funds team in Dublin, bringing in Emmet Quish from Dechert LLP in August 2024; Quish provides additional senior experience and particular expertise in ESG matters. Of counsel Claire Winrow has also joined from Pinsent Masons LLP to reinforce the firm’s presence in private funds. The expanded team represents many of the world’s leading private equity and hedge funds, and has achieved further growth in private credit work. Nicholas Blake-Knox  leads the asset management and investment funds group, which also includes Damian Barnaville, Aongus McCarthy, Eimear Keane  and of counsel Michael Dyulgerov.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Commercial and client focused, the team always delivers.’

  • ‘Damien Barnaville consistently provides exceptional solutions for the typical ongoing issues which arise for our funds. He always makes himself available and ensures effective solutions are presented in a timely manner.’

  • ‘Nicholas Blake-Knox and Aongus McCarthy are leaders in their field.’

  • ‘The legal team we work with is very diverse in terms of gender, capabilities, industry experience and expertise. There is a real commercial feel to the Walkers team that has a very good client management focus.’

  • ‘Aongus McCarthy is an excellent partner both from a technical and commercial perspective. No stone goes unturned. He along with his colleagues are thought leaders in the industry and regularly organise industry events (e.g. for the independent director and in-house lawyer community) which are invaluable.’

  • ‘Proactive, attentive with a collaborative approach to matters.’

  • ‘The partners are very knowledgeable and practical. Aongus McCarthy in particular has a great ability to manage and deliver against a difficult backdrop and tight timeline.’

  • ‘Among the partners, Nicholas Blake-Knox stands out with his vast knowledge and rare international cross-border experience, which truly makes a difference. He is not only highly responsive but also client and solution-oriented, making him a valuable partner and a real pleasure to work with.’

Key clients

  • PIMCO Global Advisors Ireland
  • Morgan Stanley Investment Management
  • Edmund de Rothschild
  • Marathon Asset Management
  • PGIM
  • Athora
  • Crestline Management
  • Albemarle Funds
  • HAL QIAIF Platform ICAV / Gersemi Asset Management
  • CiGlobal
  • Carne Global
  • W&W Asset Management Ireland
  • Corum Butler Asset Management
  • Drakai Capital
  • Acer Tree Investment Management

Work highlights

  • Engaged as lead Irish counsel to PIMCO Global Advisors (Ireland) and subsequently advised on multiple projects connected to its ongoing funds management business in Ireland.
  • Advised on all Irish law aspects of the establishment of Gersemi Shipping Fund, a sub-fund of HAL QIAIF Platform ICAV.
  • Advised Ci Global on the establishment of three new sub-funds of an Irish retail investor alternative investment fund (RIAIF) ICAV.

Lawyers

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.
Aongus McCarthy
Walkers

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Nicholas Blake-Knox