Beauchamps have once again been rated highly in the Chambers Europe rankings.
 
Chambers Europe researches the legal markets of over 180 countries, identifying the leading lawyers and law firms worldwide through interviews with thousands of lawyers and their clients.

 
Banking & Finance

This compact team has adjusted its focus in light of the financial crisis, and has been able to win significant instructions from banks and borrowers. Much of its recent work has been advising lenders on workouts, security reviews and insolvencies. At the same time, where lending has been possible the group has continued to advise on the financing of acquisitions, particularly in the real estate sector.
 
Sources say: "Extremely able lawyers who understand our industry and tackle the real problems."
  
Practice head Daniel Cashman advises on areas such as acquisition finance and secured lending, and impresses clients with his "practical approach and commercially minded negotiations."

 

This firm has a compact yet dedicated construction team that offers an impressive range of skills in the area. It is increasingly gaining recognition for its ability to handle large, complex developments. A particular highlight in recent months has been advising on the extensive National Paediatric Hospital project. Public and semi-state bodies make up a considerable part of the team's client base. It has a notable disputes activity to complement its non-contentious work, including a number of high-value arbitrations.

 

Practice head Bruno Herbots handles all aspects of construction and public procurement law. Clients appreciate his inventive solutions as well as the international experience gained from a number of jurisdictions.

 

Corporate/M&A
This firm boasts a nine-strong corporate team handling M&A and cross-border joint ventures. It recently acted for Enterprise Ireland and Allied Irish Banks (AIB) on the expansion of one of AIB's funds, which is now worth EUR53 million. It also has niche expertise in the technology industry.
 
Sources say: “Clients get top-drawer advice and a partner-led service."

 

Máire Cunningham is much vaunted for equity financing and funds work, and sources highlight "her great understanding of clients' needs." Shaun O'Shea's advice is "always thorough and commercially focused,” according to sources. Mark Pery-Knox-Gore has a wealth of experience in corporate governance. John White is a highly regarded transactional lawyer.

  

This firm is praised by clients for its consistently attentive service. It has considerable expertise in pharmaceuticals and healthcare, with the dispute resolution team frequently instructed by insurers in medical negligence claims. It also represents lenders and developers in commercial court disputes related to distressed property assets. Claire Callanan handles professional indemnity cases, media disputes and heavyweight chancery work. Gabriel Daly has a broad practice with an emphasis on restructuring and insolvency work. He recently represented ISTC in all aspects of its examinership.

  

This firm advises private and semi-State bodies on a broad range of employment matters, from day-to-day HR questions to major labour disputes. Recent instructions include assisting a US multinational with its entry into the Irish market, and a number of restructurings or downsizing plans in the hotel industry. Other particular areas of expertise are the application of the TUPE regulations and the setting up of share incentive schemes for employees.

 

Claire Callanan is a highly regarded litigator who has extensive experience of defending companies against unfair dismissal claims. Clients praise her as "straightforward and responsive to our needs, with a great understanding of the dynamics of our sector." Practice head Dermot Casserly is a valued adviser who "instils confidence with his knowledge and experience in all areas of employment law."

  

Ainsley Heffernan is responsible for the growing renewable energy practice at Beauchamps Solicitors. He increasingly acts for a number of leading wind farm developers and advises on a variety of alternative forms of electricity production.

 

This multidisciplinary Irish firm boasts a leading healthcare practice, within which sits a highly respected contentious insurance team, dealing with a comprehensive range of medical negligence cases. It represents insurance companies and public and private healthcare providers, both institutions and individuals. 

  

Intellectual Property
This technology and brands unit offers clients a "superb service" that is able to go beyond pure IP and advise on all issues relating to brands. The department handles both contentious and non-contentious work. It recently advised the Irish Rugby Football Union on the enforcement of IP rights. The team acts for a number of high-profile clients including Crocs and the National Library of Ireland. Department head Maureen Daly is highly recommended by clients, who say: "She defends our business effectively and she never gives up."

  

This team has adapted to the current economic situation and has continued to bring in an impressive variety of property work. It has acted for both participating institutions and NAMA in relation to the transfer of loans into the agency, and it has advised on the sale and realisation of properties following the appointment of receivers. A notable recent highlight was assisting the Irish Rugby Football Union with various aspects of the development of the new Aviva Stadium, demonstrating the firm's strength on major commercial real estate projects.

 

Aidan Marsh has a well-rounded property practice covering acquisitions and disposals, leases and elements of environmental law. Imelda Reynolds is admired by market observers for her experience of advising developers and her understanding of all commercial aspects of the sector. Maitiu O'Donaill increasingly acts for financial institutions on real estate transactions and is skilled in construction matters. Niall Coleman is well versed in planning and environmental areas, and he advises a number of international retailers.

  

This firm's technology unit is fully integrated with its IP department, and can advise on all aspects of IT work. The team has a diverse range of clients, including Motion Picture Licensing, United Drug and Horse Sport Ireland. Recent highlights include advising Expedia on data protection issues and the Arts Council on various technology matters.

 

Niall O'Brien has wide-ranging expertise in telecoms. He represented Aviva Stadium, advising on the granting of licences to Irish mobile operators locating network equipment in the stadium. Maureen Daly, recognised by sources as a specialist in the field, leads the technology practice.