Real estate

Byrne Wallace Shields

LK Shields Solicitors LLP and Byrne Wallace merged at the beginning of 2025 to form Byrne Wallace Shields, which is well-placed to provide expert advice on the full range of real estate matters. Beyond providing counsel on prominent sales, acquisitions, and leasing transactions involving office properties, the team boasts expertise in forward funding and forward sale arrangements. The firm has a strong presence in the social housing and data centre space. Alison O’Sullivan, who is well-versed in assisting her clients with the acquisition, financing and sale of logistics and residential portfolios, co-heads the practice with Michael Walsh, who chairs the property department. Clair Cassidy excels in PRS/BTR transactions and boasts specific expertise in student accommodation developments. Residential and commercial property expert Aoife Hearne and Michelle McVeigh, who heads the property retail and asset management group, are the other key names to note.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Alison O'Sullivan (partner) is fantastic. She understands her client inside out and offers advice which aligns with the company's ethos and strategy. She makes herself available at all times. She is practical, an expert in her field and very helpful. She always goes out of her way to support us to achieve our purpose. She delivers advice in a timely and commercial manner.’
‘Our contacts within the firm were key individuals within the real estate market and the sector in which our company operates. That additional local, specific knowledge was invaluable.’
‘Neil Dunne is an excellent partner. Very responsive and good experience and negotiation.’
‘Ronan Egan leads a highly competent group of individuals who blend with a proactive culture and spirit in working together. Legal technical proficiency with proven corporate/ commercial experience in understanding clients' objectives.’
'Approachable and agile. Clair Cassidy is good to work with.'
'Clair Cassidy is good to work with, diligent, and you know she is progressing matters for you in the background.'
‘Neil Dunne is a great partner to have on any transaction. Trustworthy, hardworking and knowledgeable.’
‘The service they provide is excellent. They have a team of people, and each one understands our business. Each team member in Byrne Wallace Shields has all the necessary qualifications and skills to deal with the matter. They are approachable and available to deal with whatever issues or queries we may have.’

Key clients

Allied Irish Banks, plc
Aviva Life & Pensions
Ballymore Group
Bank of Ireland (Group Property)
Capital Securities Corporation Limited
Boojum Limited
Castlethorn Construction / Chartered Land
Cerberus
Circle VHA
Cluid
Collen Construction Group
Crosswall Group
Eagle Street Partners
Edifis Capital
EQT Exeter
Ericsson
European Parliament
Goldstein Property ICAV / Quanta Capital
ISH New Build Fund
Land Development Agency
Lidl Ireland GmbH
LRC Group
MM Capital
Oaklee Housing
Patrizia Immoblien
Quintain Ireland
Red Rock
Select Technology Group
Teagasc
Tullow Oil
Uisce Éireann
Vestry Limited Partnership
Dean Swift Property Holdings Unlimited Company
Elkstone Capital Partners Limited
Dunquin Capital Limited
October Investments (Two) Ireland ICAV
Garvagh Homes Limited
JSC Properties Limited
Ellwood Homes Developments Limited
Hometime Retail Limited
Crown Capital Properties
Shannon Group

Work highlights

Assisted Quintain Ireland with selling over 600 apartments by way of forward purchase contracts.
Assisted Chartered Land - Castlethorn Construction with a forward funding transaction to deliver 925 residential units to an approved housing body.
Assisted the land development agency with the acquisition through a forward purchase contract of over 300 apartments on a strategically important site in Cork.