Laura Rattigan
Mason Hayes & Curran LLPPraised for the ‘trustworthiness, expertise and wisdom’ of its public law team, Mason Hayes & Curran LLP has an excellent reputation for handling regulatory investigations and litigation, with standout recent highlights including its advice to Meta and WhatsApp in high-profile data protection inquiries. The firm also acts for a host of public sector bodies in relation to judicial review proceedings and statutory appeals, fitness to practise inquiries and governance issues. The ‘exceptional’ Catherine Allen heads the practice. Lisa Joyce and Niall Michel, who are noted for their expertise in information law, Aoiffe Moran, who was promoted to partner in May 2023, and Laura Rattigan are also key contacts.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The area in which we operate is highly specialised. The team leader has an exceptional experience in this area and is highly competent, as a result of which we have great confidence in quality of the advice being given. From a technological point of view, and given the highly confidential nature of our work, the file sharing software system is particularly good.’
‘Aoiffe Moran's accessibility and experience in this area of the law coupled with her practical approach to issues as they arrive mean that we feel that we are at all times in safe hands.’
‘Mason Hayes & Curran's public and regulatory law team provide excellent advice in all matters relating to Freedom of Information (FOI) and Access to Information on the Environment (AIE). They are keenly aware of changes in the law and recent decisions of the courts and the various commissioners, which is invaluable in such a changeable area of the law.’
‘Lisa Joyce stands out for her practical knowledge of dealings with the Information Commissioners. Her advice is never limited to a dry recital of the law, but are always accompanied by useful and workable suggestions which are cognisant of her client's particular needs. Aoiffe Moran has been an invaluable help to us as a company in advising on several sensitive matters. Her availability for urgent queries and depth of knowledge are both excellent.’
‘I value, in particular, the trustworthiness, expertise and wisdom of the solicitors. I have mostly dealt with Catherine Allen, who has been exceptional.’
‘Aoiffe Moran's knowledge of her specialised area of law is second-to-none. Aoiffe has a very practical and solution-driven approach which gets the results required for her clients. Aoiffe goes above and beyond the call of duty. She is always available and extremely responsive and I would recommend her to anyone who wants a strong, competent and professional lawyer on their team who can get the desired results.’
‘The team are very skilled in providing excellent regulatory advice. Client relations and turnaround times are key for us as a client. We have had a lot of dealings with Lisa Joyce and we find she is professional, excellent technically and able to set out the regulatory position in a way that enables practical application and solutions to be developed.’
‘Lisa Joyce has unrivalled regulatory knowledge and expertise. She excels in her field and is able to consider wider issues to provide a robust and practical application. Catherine Allen provides expert legal advice efficiently and diligently.’
Key clients
- Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland
- Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland
- Health Insurance Authority
- Health and Safety Authority
- Environmental Protection Agency
- Eirgrid
- Commission for Communications Regulation
- Commission for the Regulation of Utilities
- Commission for Aviation Regulation
- Regulator of the National Lottery
- Inland Fisheries Ireland
- Sea Fisheries Protection Authority
- Child and Family Agency
- Housing Agency Ireland
- Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal
- Department of Communications Climate Action and Environment
- National Museum of Ireland
- Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin
- Electricity Supply Board
- Medical Council
- Veterinary Council of Ireland
- Adoption Authority of Ireland
- Meta
- National Gallery of Ireland
- The Pensions Authority
Work highlights
- Advised Meta Platforms Ireland Ltd on the most significant data protection inquiry conducted in Europe to date, relating to Meta’s ability to transfer the personal data of its European users to the US in connection with the Facebook service.
- Acted for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities in successfully defending recent judicial review proceedings in which the applicant, an electricity generator, sought to quash a decision of the Single Electricity Market Committee.
- Acted for the Irish Aviation Authority in its defence of a high-profile statutory appeal brought in the High Court by Dublin Airport Authority (daa), challenging a regulatory decision of the IAA which sets the maximum levels of airport charges that can be collected by daa for the period 2023-2026.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Catherine Allen
Mason Hayes & Curran LLPNext Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Lisa Joyce
Mason Hayes & Curran LLPAoiffe Moran
Mason Hayes & Curran LLPPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Catherine Allen