We advise public bodies and regulatory authorities. Our strength is in our experience which ranges from regulatory investigations to regulatory enforcement and from managing potential challenges to administrative decisions to handling complex judicial review proceedings and statutory appeals. We are highly skilled in the area and this is evidenced by the fact that we have acted in the majority of the reported high profile cases over the last 10 years.

We act for private clients in respect of possible challenges in relation to public tenders and how to manage regulatory investigations and enforcement actions. We have managed litigation at all levels including before the EU Court of Justice and Court of First Instance.

Our experience includes acting for/advising:

ComReg in the first regulatory enforcement proceedings before the Commercial Court seeking to enforce compliance by  eircom, the incumbent telecoms operator, with obligations arising from its position of significant market power in the line rental markets.   Defended ComReg in three Statutory Appeals joined to above proceedings by  eircom. The case concerned telecoms bundle offers being sold by  eircom to the public. The case was settled on excellent terms, to the satisfaction of ComReg.

The Commission for Aviation Regulation  in its defence of an application for judicial review by Ryanair in the Commercial Court concerning the determination of CAR as to the charges the DAA can impose on users of the airport. This is the latest of a number of such cases brought by Ryanair over the years relating to each of the determinations made by CAR and the judgment of Kelly J is eagerly awaited.

Payzone Ireland Limited in High Court proceedings seeking to judicially review a decision made by the ESB to award a contract in a public procurement process.  The application also involved an application for an injunction to restrain the ESB from taking steps before the matter was determined by the Court - the matter was settled between the parties.

Department

Sources say: “One hell of a practice. It got to grips with the practicalities and was a great sounding board for bouncing ideas off.” “I always feel as if I am the centre of attention and that I am a valued client.”
Chambers Europe, 2013 - Dispute Resolution

William Fry is ‘top class’.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2013 - Dispute Resolution

Sources say: 'William Fry always delivers, and will always exceed our expectations.'
Chambers Europe, 2012 - Dispute Resolution

William Fry provides "a practical yet innovative approach".
Legal 500 EMEA, 2012 - Dispute Resolution

Headed up by Owen O'Sullivan…the team..provides a "more rounded service than many other firms".
Legal 500 EMEA, 2010 – Dispute Resolution

Clients say the firm's handling of complex litigation is "outstanding in terms of support, guidance and advice", and also praise it for its "exceptional liaison with the market's top barristers".
Chambers Global, 2010 – Dispute Resolution

Team

Owen O'Sullivan
'Very bright’ practice head Owen O’Sullivan is ‘an insightful strategic thinker’.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2013 - Dispute Resolution

Owen O'Sullivan "really knows his stuff, is always well briefed, and is efficient and easy to deal with.”
Chambers Global 2013 - Dispute Resolution

Owen O’Sullivan is "understated, calm and a good strategic thinker".
Legal 500 EMEA, 2012 - Dispute Resolution

Department head Owen O'Sullivan is acknowledged as an “exceptionally good litigator, and hugely commercial.”
Chambers Global, 2012 - Dispute Resolution

The extremely well-regarded Owen O'Sullivan.."always resolves matters to the commercial satisfaction of his clients", and brings "a practical, level head to proceedings".
Chambers Global, 2010 – Dispute Resolution

"Praised for ‘instilling comfort through his measured approach to matters’"
Legal 500 EMEA, 2010 – Dispute Resolution

Owen O'Sullivan continues to be regarded as one of Dublin’s top litigators. “He has an excellent grasp of the facts in any case and is good at thinking on his feet,” say clients.
Chambers Europe, 2009 – Dispute Resolution

Carol Plunkett
Carol Plunkett is widely acclaimed as “just brilliant. She has fantastic expertise in both intellectual property and commercial litigation.”
Chambers Global 2013 - Dispute Resolution

Carol Plunkett is unanimously described as "a leading light".
Chambers Global, 2010 – Dispute Resolution

The team also includes ‘very experienced and calm’ IP specialist Carol Plunkett.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2010 – Dispute Resolution

IP specialist Carol Plunkett acts for a range of pharmaceutical and energy clients, primarily on patent matters, and particularly impresses sources with her knowledge of aviation, telecoms and regulatory law. She is “pragmatic and extremely capable on the tactical aspects of a case, and can turn her hand to almost anything in litigation”.
Chambers Europe, 2009 - Dispute Resolution

Michael Quinn
"Smart operator" Michael Quinn is a leading figure.
Chambers Global, 2010 – Dispute Resolution

Michael Quinn handles corporate recovery work only, in which observers agree he is “very knowledgeable, effective and personable – he always has his sights set firmly on the ultimate objective”.
Chambers Europe, 2009 - Dispute Resolution

Garrett Breen
The ‘determined and focused’ Garrett Breen.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2013 - Dispute Resolution

Garrett Breen is hailed as a "creative lawyer who looks at all the different angles and is able to help us build a superb case."
Chambers Global 2013 - Dispute Resolution

William Fry bolstered its regulatory offering in 2009 through the hire of Garrett Breen, formerly managing partner of Landwell Solicitors.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2010 – Dispute Resolution

In 2009 the firm welcomed commercial litigation specialist Garrett Breen, former managing partner at Landwell, to the disputes team.
Chambers Europe, 2009 - Dispute Resolution

Barry Cahir
Barry Cahir has a reputation amongst market sources as a skilled and solid commercial litigator.
Chambers Global 2013 - Dispute Resolution

Barry Cahir is also respected for general commercial litigation expertise and is a "highly efficient practitioner who really cares about the client relationship".  He is a strong contributor to the firm's restructuring and insolvency practice.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2010 – Dispute Resolution

Barry Cahir is praised as a rising star and particularly commended for his efforts on corporate recovery. “He gives good feedback and makes himself available”, said one client.
Chambers Europe, 2009 - Dispute Resolution

Fiona Barry
Clients value Fiona's input, praising her as being “receptive to our needs. She supports and assists our clients.”
Chambers Europe, 2013 - Dispute Resolution

As one of Ireland's top full service law firms, dispute resolution work is undertaken in numerous specialist areas, including medical negligence and defamation, where Fiona Barry is said to be "gaining a great following."
Legal 500 EMEA, 2010 – Dispute Resolution

Several sources commented that Fiona Barry, who specialises in medical negligence cases, "will continue to rise in people's estimations".
Chambers Europe, 2009 - Dispute Resolution

Fergus Doorly
Fergus specialises in all areas of practice relating to insolvency and commercial litigation. He has extensive experience in advising liquidators, receivers, and examiners of companies. He also advises creditors, directors and shareholders of insolvent companies.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2009 – Dispute Resolution

Margaret Muldowney
Margaret Muldowney is well liked by her clients, who comment: “We are incredibly impressed with her. She is bright, switched-on and receptive.”
Chambers Europe, 2013 - Dispute Resolution