Alternative Dispute Resolution

William Fry are leaders in domestic and international alternative dispute resolution (ADR), both commercial and public. We recognise our clients often prefer to settle their cases on more favourable terms rather than litigate or are referred to ADR by the courts. We use a range of ADR methods to settle disputes for clients to generate savings and achieve their commercial objectives in the process.

ADR mechanisms also have the advantage of being confidential. We have in-depth understanding of all the processes and can identify the best and most experienced individuals to resolve the dispute.

We have extensive expertise in ADR mechanisms and have qualified arbitrators and mediators within the group.  Our lawyers have a reputation in the industry as tough but solution-focused negotiators and advisers.

Our lawyers are trained in the representation of clients in all types of ADR and are listed mediators and arbitrators. We have links to the leading domestic and international ADR institutions, panels and centres for excellence including Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, (CIArb) Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR), Friarylaw/ADR Group, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and Law Society of Ireland.



A sample of our recent experience includes:

  • Acting for a contractor on a rail dispute with international ad-hoc tiered dispute resolution provisions (including a dispute board)
  • Acting for a private carriage company on an international shipping arbitration claim under ad-hoc rules
  • Acting for a ICC arbitration in relation to a plant machinery dispute
  • Acting for a Local Authority in relation to a mediation arising from a dispute on the terms of a development agreement
  • Acting for a multi-national commercial client in relation to a final account/quantum construction dispute under the IEI Works Contract
  • Acting for a contractor in relation to a series of arbitrations with employer and sub-contractors respectively relating to a hotel, retail and leisure centre under the RIAI Building Agreement
  • Acting for a university in relation to an arbitration concerning a defects claim against the  professional design team and the construction team on a scientific facility structure
  • Acting for a oil company supplier against a contractor in connection with defective oil and gas pipelines

Our experienced lawyers can act as Solicitor, Counsel or Arbitrator and a number are qualified in more than one jurisdiction.

Department - Litigation & Dispute Resolution

'William Fry always delivers'.

Chambers Europe, 2012 - Dispute Resolution

William Fry provides ‘a practical yet innovative approach’.

Legal 500 EMEA, 2012 - Dispute Resolution

William Fry is applauded by its clients as being ‘top class’ and having ‘excellent depth’ to its team.

Legal 500 EMEA, 2011 - 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

Department - Projects & Construction

Sources say: 'I rate the team's strategic advice – it is just super.'

Chambers Europe, 2012 - Projects

Sources say: 'The team's knowledge of the construction sector is first class. It has a great cross-section of expertise and I value the strategic advice we get.'

Chambers Europe, 2012 - Construction

William Fry’s ‘solutions-focused’ team provides ‘excellent service’.

Legal 500 EMEA, 2012 - Construction

William Fry has ‘in-depth knowledge’ in the project space.

Legal 500 EMEA, 2012 - Projects, Energy & Natural Resources

William Fry provides an ‘excellent service’ that is ‘delivered in a timely manner’ and works ‘to the highest standard’.

Legal 500 EMEA, 2011 - Construction

Jarleth Heneghan is singled out for his ‘excellent ability’ and ‘knowledge base'.

Legal 500 EMEA, 2011 - Construction

Liam McCabe is well regarded on the market and is highly experienced in handling major projects.

Chambers Europe, 2011 - Construction

Sources admire Jarleth Heneghan's 'fantastic work ethic, his attention to detail and his excellent grasp of complex contracts'.

Chambers Europe, 2011 - Construction

William Fry ‘holds a diverse team and can bring in relevant experience as required’ and response times are considered ‘considerably better than the rest’.

Legal 500 EMEA, 2010 - Projects, Energy & Natural Resources

International Work: William Fry operates a large international practice and continually acts in cases involving all major European jurisdictions and the US.

Chambers Europe, 2010 - Projects

Liam McCabe leads the Projects and Construction team and is “fantastic - he is available, responsive and excellent at explaining what we need” says clients. He is appreciated for bringing “huge experience in dealing with developers” to the table, allowing him to provide “invaluable advice”.

Chambers Europe, 2010 - Construction

Whom clients describe as “technically strong commercial strategist”.

Chambers Europe, 2010 - Construction

Jarleth Heneghan is noted for ‘excellent attention to detail in complex contracts’.

Legal 500 EMEA, 2010 - Projects, Energy & Natural Resources

Jarleth Heneghan is also recommended as ‘very well considered and thorough’.

Legal 500 EMEA, 2010 - Construction