William Fry LLP offers comprehensive legal support to a diverse range of clients in the media and entertainment sector, including daily newspapers, domestic TV channels, and leading media companies. The team handles contentious and non-contentious matters, with expertise spanning defamation and privacy law, brand protection, reputation management, M&A transactions, regulatory compliance, commercial issues, and employment disputes. It is particularly active in representing media outlets and plaintiffs in defamation cases and advising on acquisition and copyright matters. Paul Convery, a litigation specialist with a focus on telecommunications and media disputes, co-heads the practice alongside Fiona Barry, who has longstanding experience in assisting print and TV sector clients with pre and post-publication. Rachel Hayes is another key contact.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Key clients

  • BBC
  • Coimisiún na Meán
  • EHM Productions
  • Spotify
  • Irish Rugby Football Union
  • Smurfit Kappa Group plc
  • The Irish Times
  • RTE
  • TikTok Technology Limited
  • Sky
  • Diageo Ireland
  • Tipperary GAA
  • Maybourne Hotel Group
  • Genesis Links Holding Limited
  • Boots Ireland
  • Deliveroo
  • LinkedIn
  • Three
  • Apple
  • Microsoft
  • CISAC
  • BIEM

Work highlights

  • Advised the Irish Media Regulator, Coimisiún na Meán, on the design and implementation of a new regulatory regime for online safety.
  • Advised the Irish Times DAC on the sale of its majority stake in WKW FM Limited to IrishBauer Media Group and the acquisition of Gradam Communications Limited.
  • Advised a lending syndicate of global financial institutions on the secured financing for the Flutter Group.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Paul Convery, Fiona Barry

Other key lawyers

Rachel Hayes