Our experience in both EU and Irish public procurement law is unparalleled. We act across a range of sectors, for public bodies, local authorities, utility companies and businesses in the areas of works, supplies, services and concessions. We maintain close ties with relevant EU and Irish officials, including those in the European Commission, the Department of Finance and the National Development Finance Agency.
We specialise in helping contracting authorities (including utility companies) to run projects in compliance with applicable EU and Irish rules. We focus on minimising any risks to project delivery.
Where things go wrong we specialise in advising in relation to possible Court challenges. We advise unsuccessful bidders on how best to approach debriefing meetings.
Relevant experience includes:
- Challenging the contract decisions of public bodies under UK, EU and Irish procurement rules
- Advising contracting authorities on the preparation and management of procurement processes governed by EU or Irish rules
- Preparing the relevant contract notices and scoping the project
- Advising contracting authorities regarding pre-qualification and short-listing of consortia
- Preparing the requests for proposals and other tender documentation
- Advising on preferred bidder selection
Cormac Little and Claire Waterson are co-authors of a book provisionally entitled "EU and Irish Public Procurement Law," due to be published by Thomson Reuters in 2012.
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
Cormac is listed in the 'International Who’s Who of Competition Lawyers' (2010) and the 'International
Who’s Who of Public Procurement Lawyers' (2010).
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
According to sources 'her advice is cogent and thorough and her drafting is excellent'.
Chambers Europe, 2011 - 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