Audrey Byrne
McCann FitzGerald LLPThe full-service media and entertainment practice at McCann FitzGerald LLP offers advice on a wide range of contentious and non-contentious issues to its broad client list, which includes publishers, production companies, and internet and digital enterprises. The media defence team is also known for its involvement in invasion of privacy and defamation cases in the Irish High Court. Practice head Audrey Byrne specialises in handling online platform and digital media disputes, while betting and gaming group lead Alan Heuston regularly assists online gaming, betting and lottery companies with regulatory and taxation issues. Other key individuals include advertising law specialist Adam Finlay and recently promoted partner Bébhinn Bollard.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Industry knowledge is exceptional.’
- ‘An excellent team - extremely knowledgeable.’
- ‘Audrey Byrne is involved in the most high-profile defamation cases in Ireland and is incredible at thinking outside the box on complex issues. She defends companies all around the world which are sued in Ireland. She is an expert on her subject matter and has a fantastic team. I cannot recommend Audrey highly enough.’
- 'I enjoy collaborating with the McCann FitzGerald team. I enjoy the personal touch that McCann brings to providing services and advice. The team understands the company and responds to our working style. I find the team very personable, and the level of expertise is very diverse while also being able to pivot into very niche issues and challenges.’
- 'I enjoy working with Bébhinn Bollard and her team at McCann. I always find the interactions balanced, measured and thorough. I feel informed as to the progress of our work and requests, and I find the team responsive and engaging.’
- ‘The McCann team has deep sector expertise, particularly in the gambling and entertainment space. The team provided critical on-the-ground support for us, and a great deal of strategic and commercial value as a part of our engagement.’
- ‘Alan Heuston has deep experience in the gambling and entertainment industry and navigates the regulatory environment with confidence and authority.’
- ‘Audrey Byrne is excellent. She is always available to give advice directly herself. She is open to hearing the client's point of view and takes into account the client's business concerns when providing advice. Accordingly, her advice is always tailored to the business and is truly client-focused.’
Key clients
- BBC
- CNN
- BuzzFeed
- Guardian
- Malin
- Amazon
- CNN
- Channel 4
- Coimisiún na Meán
- Mediahuis
- RTE
- The Clooney Foundation
- CHC
- Kingspan
Work highlights
- Represented LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company in the defence of High Court proceedings related to its automated artificial intelligence.
- Represented Guardian News and Media in the defence of defamation proceedings brought by two company directors and their fishing company arising from the client's reportage on the alleged exploitation of fishing workers by Irish trawlers.
- Represented Channel 4 in defamation proceedings brought by Ryanair in respect of a documentary by Channel 4 relating to air safety.
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Practice head
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Audrey Byrne