Our Litigation & Dispute Resolution Department has unrivalled experience in this sector. Whether it is responding to queries from regulators in the sector or managing potentially contentious matters, our clients know they can call upon our detailed knowledge to support them. We are particularly known for our understanding of highly complex asset management and investment funds, as well as insurance and re-insurance products and the regulatory issues that arise in relation to them.

Our approach is pragmatic and solutions-oriented.

We advise on:

• managing complex commercial litigation disputes arising from products sold or bought or services provided or received in the financial services sector
• responding to information requests from the regulators in the financial services sector
• assisting clients in managing investigations by regulatory authorities
• representing clients under regulatory investigation
• appeals to/from the regulators in the financial services sector

We are assertive and solution-oriented in our clients’ interests, and are experienced in alternative dispute resolution strategies such as mediations as well as court actions.  Whether in handling litigation or scrutiny from a regulator in the financial services sector we robustly support the client from the beginning of the process through to conclusion.

Our experience includes acting for/advising:

Davy Stockbrokers in Commercial Court Proceedings involving a number of Credit Unions

Thema International Fund plc and AA (Alternative Advantage) plc in complex breach of contract and professional negligence Commercial Court Proceedings against HSBC in US$1.4 billion claim arising from the Bernard Madoff Scandal

Nortel Networks Ireland Limited in acting for the joint administrators for major restructuring of this Group on a global scale

Department

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

William Fry fields “smart and proactive lawyers at both senior and junior levels”.
Chambers Global, 2009 – Dispute Resolution

Commentators are impressed with the lawyers’ ADR work, especially on the mediation side: “They engage with clients well and are very detailed in building a case – you always feel you have a top team on your side.”
Chambers Europe, 2009 – Dispute Resolution

Team

Owen O'Sullivan
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 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
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 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
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

Ann Henry
Ann Henry is described as "innovative and determined".
Legal 500 EMEA, 2012 - Dispute Resolution