Environmental and Planning

Harry Fehily maintains a solid reputation in the dispute resolution market. He advises on wide-ranging topics including insurance claims, commercial disputes over the early termination of contracts and the defence of regulatory enforcement actions. Clients appreciate his availability and insight, one of them stating: “He is a person in whom we have great trust.” “He is an effective and measured litigator who is very experienced,” say market commentators.

‘They have the scale required so that the team do not disappear just when you need them to work on another client. Sandra Egan has been very thorough in chasing down at times difficult issues and counterparts. George Kennedy has always been available to talk about stuff when required and help on broader commercial advice. I also see a firm, especially managing partner Harry Fehily, committed to supporting pro bono work and not-for-profit organisations and the broader Limerick environment.’

Holmes O'Malley Sexton's practice is headed by Limerick-based Sandra Egan and Dublin-based duo Lorraine Power and Harry Fehily. The firm's Limerick office has strong connections to the local region with clients including the University of Limerick and Limerick 2030 Strategic Development DAC; the team advised the latter on the Hanging Gardens office development. The Dublin office has recently been active for investment trust Yew Grove REIT on acquisitions. The team also acts in the healthcare, retail and office sectors and advises on lease negotiations.

Holmes O'Malley Sexton has particular expertise in the education sector, where the team represents a number of universities, but also acts for a range of state and semi-state bodies and statutory corporations. The practice has advised on judicial review proceedings, disputes in the public sector, complaints and investigations, and public procurement issues. Based in the firm's Limerick and Dublin offices, managing partner Harry Fehily has extensive experience of judicial reviews and regulatory investigations, while Pat McInerney regularly acts for public bodies in litigation, including professional negligence, defamation, breach of contract and property-related cases.

Insurance litigation, defamation and environmental disputes are key areas of strength at Holmes O'Malley Sexton, which is also increasingly active in contentious construction matters. The team, which is based across the firm's offices in Dublin and Limerick, also regularly handles litigation in the public sector, including judicial review proceedings and regulatory matters for healthcare and education entities. Managing partner Harry Fehily is active in a range of commercial disputes and also strong for mediation. Other key contacts include new partners Michael Murphy, who specialises in financial services and insurance litigation, with additional expertise in data protection matters, and Pat McInerney, who regularly acts for public sector bodies.

Holmes O'Malley Sexton regularly acts for Limerick public sector entities such as Limerick University and also has expertise in the regulatory sphere. Practice head Harry Fehily is acting for the Irish Greyhound Board in respect of the first successful prosecution under section 20 of the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011.

Winner of Best Employer: Talent Development and Workplace Wellness Award 2017

Finalist - Property, Planning and Probate Team of the Year 2015 and 2016