Our experience includes advising / acting for:
Aughinish Alumina in relation to challenging European Commission Decisions finding a hydrocarbon tax exemption to be unlawful State aid. We successfully represented Aughinish in an application before the General Court for annulment of one Decision and before the European Court of Justice in a subsequent appeal.
ComReg (the Irish Communications Regulator) in relation to a number of regulatory enforcement matters, including representing ComReg in High Court proceedings designed to enforce eircom’s compliance with obligations as an operator with significant market power and eircom’s cross-appeal.
Railway Procurement Agency on the EU and Irish competition and public procurement aspects of the establishment of an integrated ticketing system for transport for the Greater Dublin Area (similar to London’s Oyster card).
Horizon Technology Group on its €101m sale to Avnet Inc. We advised on the notification of this transaction to the European Commission under the EU Merger Regulation and achieved clearance in Phase 1.
Private clients on the implementation of various EU Directives, including the WEEE Directive and the Pyrotechnics Directive.
The Irish Government on State aid and free movement issues relating to the sale of Aer Lingus.
We are consistently ranked as one of the leading Competition & Regulation law firms in Ireland.
Department
Sources say: “The advice is practical and comprehensive, and the team includes tough negotiators. The lawyers are among the best in their field.”
Chambers Europe, 2013 - Competition & European Law
William Fry provides ‘top-quality service’.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2013 - EU & Competition
Sources say: 'William Fry is an important resource for me and my company – we regard it as a crucial part of our team.'
Chambers Europe, 2012 - Competition/European Law
William Fry is applauded for its 'extensive knowledge' and 'client-focused advice'.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2011 - EU & Competition
William Fry offers 'prompt responses and practical advice'.
Chambers Europe, 2011 - Competition/European Law
William Fry wins praise for 'in-depth industry knowledge' which ensures 'lawyers hit the ground running, providing valuable input from the outset'.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2010 – EU & Competition
Clients are unanimously delighted with the service they receive from William Fry: 'We get a fantastic response from the firm, and the advice is beautifully tailored to our needs.' The team has genuine strength in depth, housing as it does senior, highly respected lawyers and up-and-coming associates...the trio have worked together for six years, and have formed one of the most cohesive competition teams in the Irish market. According to commentators, 'the group's method, timing, ability and pragmatism place it easily among the top Irish competition law practices.'
Chambers Europe, 2010 – Competition/European Law
Team
Cormac Little
Cormac Little is "great at dealing with clients and other firms – it is a real pleasure to work with him.”
Chambers Europe, 2013 - Competition & European Law
Cormac Little ‘consistently gives precise and business-savvy advice’.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2013 - EU & Competition
Cormac Little is held in high regard by sources. He 'literally wrote the book on public procurement' and has expertise in merger control and antitrust.
Chambers Europe, 2012 - Competition/European Law
Cormac Little is 'business-friendly yet meticulous'.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2012 - EU & Competition
Cormac Little is ‘technically excellent’ and ‘user friendly’.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2011 - EU & Competition
Cormac Little is prasied for 'his responsive and businesslike attitude and his ability to turn work around quickly'.
Chambers Europe, 2011 - Competition/European Law
Cormac Little is another valued member of the group, and clients say he is an ‘unassuming, low-key lawyer, who quietly gets the work done with great efficiency.’
Chambers Europe, 2010 – Competition/European Law
Claire Waterson
According to a source, Claire Waterson is "tremendous: responsive, clear and pragmatic. She is the reason I keep going back to the firm.”
Chambers Europe, 2013 - Competition & European Law
Claire Waterson 'is fabulous: she's responsive, on the ball, pleasant and incredibly knowledgeable on procurement and EU law issues,' sources report.
Chambers Europe, 2012 - Competition/European Law
Claire Waterson is considered ‘totally on the ball.’
Legal 500 EMEA, 2010 – EU & Competition
Clients describe Waterson as ‘100% reliable.’
Chambers Europe, 2010 – Competition/European Law