Public Administrative Law

Up and Coming: George Kennedy assists domestic and international businesses and private equity funds with investments, acquisitions and divestitures. He also has experience in MBOs. Clients say he “possesses excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and has huge expertise and knowledge in corporate law.”

‘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.’

‘An outstanding practice of long standing. The practice does not interact with clients as solely customers of a solution, process or transaction but as partners with whom the firm participates in mutual long-term benefit and pride. Harry Fehily is totally committed to the best interest of his client. Pat McInerney is a generalist of no limit because his good sense knows no boundaries. Sandra Egan makes complex aggressive transactions in acquisition and business transfer look simple. Caitriona Leahy is always well ahead of the client’s responses and delivery is her strong focus.’

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.

Harry Fehily - Ranked Lawyer

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

Holmes O’Malley Sexton’s Limerick office acts for local public bodies such as the University of Limerick and also provides regulatory advice to the Private Security Authority. Practice head Harry Fehily delivers advice in an ‘efficient and perceptive way’.

Holmes O’Malley Sexton’s ‘very strong team of litigators’ includes Harry Fehily, whose 2016 caseload included trade mark litigation and various judicial reviews. Practice head Robert Kennedy and Donal Creaton focus on defending insurance claims.

Finalist - Public Sector Team of the Year 2014, 2015 and 2016