Leading Associates

Firms To Watch: Information technology

With the opening of its Dublin office in June 2022, Bird & Bird established an IT team which assists clients with tech implementation projects, digital transformation and tech disputes.
Browne Jacobson Ireland LLP‘s technology department is continuing to build its practice in the Irish market, frequently advising clients on mandates relating to emerging technology platforms.
Under the leadership of Peter Bolger, the technology and commercial group at EY Law Ireland is well versed in advising domestic and international technology clients on commercial and contractual matters.
Claire Morrissey leads the team at Maples Group, which provides support to technology clients with data protection, technology, commercial and IP issues.

Information technology in Ireland

A&L Goodbody LLP

The commercial and technology practice at A&L Goodbody LLP is active across the full spectrum of intellectual property and technology law. The team assists clients with the drafting and negotiation of outsourcing contracts and intellectual property and GDPR compliance, including data processing. John Whelan leads the team, with a focus on commercial transactions and contract management-related IT issues. The other notable individuals include John Cahir, Chris Bollard and Andrew Sheridan, who are recommended for their expertise in IP and data-driven transactions. Aideen Burke was a new arrival in 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

John Whelan


Autres avocats clés:

Mark Ellis; John Cahir; Chris Bollard; Andrew Sheridan; Aideen Burke; Eimear McCluskey


Les références

‘It’s a very large team in the Irish market with great technical knowledge.’

‘Mark Ellis is excellent.’

‘Mark Ellis is very knowledgeable of the law but also practical and commercial in his approach to negotiation. He is very responsive and kept the matter we were working on moving forward despite unanticipated delays.’

Principaux clients

Enterprise Ireland


Vera Financial


Bank of Ireland


Numis


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented Enterprise Ireland in the negotiation and drafting of a contract for the complex outsourced provision of a financial management system.
  • Represented Vera Financial in a detailed technology outsourcing agreement with Irish Progressive Services International Limited.
  • Advised Numis on the structuring, drafting and negotiation of an intra-group outsourcing agreement, including the application of the EBA and CBI outsourcing guidelines.

Arthur Cox

Arthur Cox‘s team is well versed in advising on technology contracts, particularly relating to outsourcing and IT systems procurements. The practice also assists a roster of household names across a range of industries, including clients from both the public and private sectors, with day-to-day technology-related corporate issues. Rob Corbet has a strong background in the protection and commercialisation of data and intellectual property. Colin Rooney has extensive knowledge of IT agreements and data processing structures. Ian Duffy is adept at handling IT contracts and cyber security matters for corporations, technology companies and state bodies. Olivia Mullooly is an IP expert who assists clients with technology and data protection contracts.

Responsables de la pratique:

Rob Corbet; Colin Rooney; Olivia Mullooly; Ian Duffy


Les références

‘The information technology team at Arthur Cox has excellent lawyers across all levels who provide an outstanding service. They take the time to understand your commercial objectives and ensure their advice is tailored to your needs.’

‘Colin Rooney is an exceptional lawyer. He has deep technical knowledge and consistently delivers with clarity and focus. He partners with you to ensure you achieve the best result from a legal perspective and for your commercial objectives.’

‘Always practical and finding solutions, always trying to make sure the deal stays alive, always with the client’s interests at heart. They can be tough when needed and tough on the things that make sense.’

Principaux clients

Openmind Networks Limited


Permanent TSB


Phoenix Group


AIB


Woodies DIY


Flutter Entertainment plc


IBEC


Bytedance (TikTok)


CRH


Musgrave


Dole/Total Produce


National Treasury Management Agency


Front App LLC


Carelon Global Solutions


Indeed


Bank of Ireland


First Home Scheme


RTE


Home Building Finance Ireland


Genuity Science Limited


Meta


Vodafone


CluneTech


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Munster Technological University on all matters arising from the cyber attack on the university in February 2023.
  • Assisted Permanent TSB plc with its recent acquisition of certain elements of the Ulster Bank retail, SME and asset finance businesses.
  • Advised First Home Scheme on the master services agreement with the relevant service provider and the establishment of the IT platform to establish the First Home Scheme.

Mason Hayes & Curran LLP

The technology, sourcing and innovation team at Mason Hayes & Curran LLP continues to work with both established and upcoming clients on the full range of technology matters, with specific expertise in data privacy and consumer protection. The team has witnessed a notable uptick in casework associated with artificial intelligence, including advising on the ramifications of the forthcoming EU AI Act. Practice head Philip Nolan has longstanding experience of advising on GDPR compliance, while Robert McDonagh assists clients with security incidents and privacy-related claims. Wendy Hederman and Mark Fry specialise in outsourcing and licensing contracts, while Dermot McGirr’s practice focuses on advising on technology contracts and regulatory matters in both the public and private sectors.

Responsables de la pratique:

Philip Nolan


Autres avocats clés:

Robert McDonagh; Wendy Hederman; Mark Fry; Dermot McGirr


Les références

‘Mason Hayes & Curran have developed a deep knowledge of the context where their clients operate. They can provide tailored advice, allowing clients to make risk-based decisions promptly. Their experience is a great added value.’

‘MHC lawyers are always available and always have a dedicated resource with the right expertise to support their clients. They also provide practical advice, and their professionals are humble and confident when dealing with in-house lawyers.’

‘Unrivalled legal and industry knowledge. They are the go-to firm for anything information technology related.’

Principaux clients

Meta Platforms Ireland Limited


WhatsApp Ireland Limited


Strava


Yahoo


Ancestry


Airbnb


Avant Money


Etsy Ireland


Biohaven Pharmaceuticals


Irish Life


Allied Irish Bank


Royal London


Axa Life Europe


Google/Fitbit


Slack


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Stripe on aspects of adopting and deploying generative AI.
  • Advised Meta and WhatsApp on the negotiation of bespoke commercial arrangements incorporating complex product terms.
  • Advised Ancestry on its online user terms and its platform online interfaces to assess compatibility with various e-commerce and consumer protection laws.

McCann FitzGerald LLP

McCann FitzGerald LLP’s technology and innovation group offers comprehensive legal advice to public and private sector entities on the full spectrum of IT agreements and projects. The team particularly stands out for its experience of handling high-value acquisition transactions within the technology sector. Paul Lavery heads the practice and regularly assists clients with the supply, implementation and support of new IT systems and services. Adam Finlay and Doug McMahon advise on technology outsourcing, data protection, and cyber security matters. Other key members of the team include Ruth Hughes and Catherine Walsh.

Responsables de la pratique:

Paul Lavery


Autres avocats clés:

Doug McMahon; Adam Finlay; Ruth Hughes; Catherine Walsh


Les références

‘A very strong team that provides insightful, practical advice and lawyers with a lot of experience in the sector.’

‘I would highly recommend Paul Lavery in this area – he knows his way around this industry very well. Another superlative performer in this space is Catherine Walsh.’

‘Excellent availability for urgent matters. Ability to explain complex concepts. Good understanding of the market from the perspective of both the contracting authority and the supplier.’

Principaux clients

National Transport Authority


Transport Infrastructure Ireland


Ervia (including Uisce Éireann and Gas Networks Ireland)


Vhi


Central Bank of Ireland


Irish Life


Institute of Banking


Alkermes


Maynooth University


CreditLogic


Road Safety Authority


Various Corporate Transactions


Kingspan


Allied Irish Bank, p.l.c


Nostra Technologies


Coimisiún na Meán


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the NTA on a number of large-scale IT outsourcing agreements.
  • Advised Alkermes on a key IT project for its enterprise resource system and financial systems.
  • Advised the Central Bank of Ireland on its procurement of managed IT services, including the provision of a new data centre and SIEM services.

William Fry LLP

William Fry LLP continues to act for some of the world’s largest technology and social media companies, advising them on regulatory requirements, data protection mandates, and other implications of Irish and EU legislation. The practice is led by David Cullen, who has significant expertise in contractual matters related to the design, development and delivery of large-scale IT projects. Leo Moore and John O’Connor are go-to lawyers for domestic and international clients looking for advice on outsourcing transactions, GDPR matters, and cyber security law. Other key contacts include David Kirton, Rachel Hayes, and AI law expert Barry Scannell.

Responsables de la pratique:

David Cullen


Autres avocats clés:

Leo Moore; John O’Connor; Rachel Hayes; Barry Scannell; David Kirton


Les références

‘William Fry is like an extension of our very own team. Available on request, timely and accurate in their advice and most of all understanding of our needs. Personal and commercial in their approach to legal challenges presented by contract negotiation.’

‘Barry Scannell has been influential in the success of our team. Measured and innovative in his approach to legal challenges and generous in his sharing of advice and knowledge transfer.’

‘The technology team at William Fry has a deep knowledge of privacy, commercial, outsourcing and intellectual property issues facing businesses operating domestically and internationally. The team are collaborative and always aim to understand client issues and concerns and provide commercially savvy advice and planning. As well as this, the team are approachable, focused and engaged on client matters from ad hoc queries to larger-scale work.’

Principaux clients

Deliveroo


Nintendo


Tines


ConsenSys


Saol Assurance (joint venture of AIB and Irish Life )


PrepayPower


Skyscanner


iCabbi (Renault Group)


Department for the Environment, Climate and Communications


UKG Inc


LinkedIn


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the DECC on the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan.
  • Advised Deliveroo on a wide range of legal technology matters, including the unique aspects of new product offerings and food platform issues at the intersection of tech, IP and data.
  • Represented Skyscanner in Commercial Court proceedings brought by Ryanair.

Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard is the preferred choice for advice on information technology matters for a number of clients from the retail, agriculture, and life sciences sectors. Key services include advice on outsourcing transactions, software-as-a-service arrangements, and IT development contracts. Practice head David Hackett regularly advises on data privacy and software licensing matters, along with conducting due diligence for acquisitions and disposals within the IT sector. Jane Farren handles all contentious and non-contentious information technology issues and assists with the drafting and negotiating of contracts for the development, sale, and licensing of IT systems.

Responsables de la pratique:

David Hackett


Autres avocats clés:

Jane Farren


Les références

‘Good people and very knowledgeable and link well with us. Our sector has a different dynamic to other commercial sectors, and often patience is needed to deal with the individuals involved in our sector.’

‘Team and individual members have always been our preferred partners when issues arise (even more so than our auditors or other professions).’

Principaux clients

Digital Manufacturing Ireland CLG


An Post National Lottery Limited (In Voluntary Liquidation)


ASDA


Instavolt


BMW Automotive Ireland and BMW Financial Services Ireland


Flutter plc (previously PaddyPower Betfair)


Mango Retail Ireland


JD Sports


Dawn Farm Foods Limited


OSG Group


IDA Ireland


SYSCO Software Solutions


Vestas Northern Europe AB


DABL Limited


McGee Pharma International


Harvey Norman Trading (Ireland) Limited


Harvey Norman Holdings (Australia) Limited


BMW Ireland


Electrolux


Hickey & Co Limited


iHeed


Kepak Group


Rosderra Limited


Marks & Spencer


Vodafone Ireland


PointsBet


Johnson & Johnson Group (includes Neutrogena Corporation, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies, DePuy Synthes, Inc.)


Atlantic Therapeutics Group Limited


Oxford Global Resources


Applegreen/Petrogas


Autoglass/Belron


Cilag GMBH International


British Sky Broadcasting Group plc


Virgin Media


AA Ireland


Tifco Hotel Group


Aerospace Software Developments


FCR Media Limited


Sky Ireland Limited


Aylien Limited


Collinson Insurances


Caci Life


Grosvenor Services Limited


Danske Bank


Medmark Limited


Bath Fitter Inc


B Braun Medical


Gist Distribution


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Digital Manufacturing Ireland CLG on a range of template IT agreements.
  • Advised Kepak on a complex IT solutions arrangement with Emydex in respect of software to run its business operations.
  • Advised IDA Ireland on a major new IT system which will cover all aspects of the IDA’s business operations and which included a master framework SaaS services agreement for operation of the system and supply of services.

ByrneWallace LLP

The technology group at ByrneWallace LLP acts for a diverse set of domestic and international technology companies that includes start-ups, mid-cap companies, and large multinational organisations. The team advises on all traditional and upcoming areas of information technology, including cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and blockchain. Victor Timon heads the practice and regularly assists suppliers and buyers with software licensing and technology outsourcing transactions. Laura Greene has extensive experience of advising public and private sector organisations on software-as-a-service agreements and data privacy policies.

Responsables de la pratique:

Victor Timon


Autres avocats clés:

Laura Greene


Les références

‘We have worked with many firms but give 100% of our business/commercial and privacy work to Byrne Wallace. We have found them to be expert and personable, which is a welcome mix.’

Principaux clients

Avar Communications Limited t/a Jobbio


Glocal Advertising Limited t/a Gladcloud


Deposit Return Scheme Ireland CLG


XtremePush Limited


Phonovation Limited


Volograms Limited


Ourworld Media Limited


Blockbee Ventures Limited


Reitigh Software Limited


Axon Evolution Limited


Treo Technologies DAC


Cranntech Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Deposit Return Scheme Ireland CLG on the procurement of new IT systems required to set up and run the deposit return scheme for beverage containers.
  • Advised Ourworld Media Limited on the set-up of a new metaverse world.
  • Advised Avar Communications Limited t/a Jobbio on a number of high-profile transactions, including with NewsCorp, the Times, Telegraph, and Daily Mail.

DLA Piper Ireland LLP

DLA Piper Ireland LLP’s information technology team stands out for its specific expertise in serving public and private sector clients within the financial services, technology, life sciences, CPG, and fashion and retail spaces. Mark Rasdale regularly handles complex technology law matters in the financial services sector and co-heads the team with Aoife Murphy and John Magee, who assists Irish and international organisations with information security and breach response matters. Conor McEneaney and Elizabeth Sharkey have significant experience of drafting outsourcing agreements and advising on the technology aspects of mergers and acquisitions. Claire O’Brien and Eilís McDonald are active in assisting clients with GDPR and compliance matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Mark Rasdale; John Magee; Aoife Murphy


Autres avocats clés:

Conor McEneaney; David Brazil; Eilís McDonald; Claire O’Brien; Elizabeth Sharkey


Les références

‘DLA has some of the most experienced data practitioners in Ireland and can handle complex and sophisticated matters. They offer strong client service and make you feel valued as a client.’

‘Mark Rasdale is a true leader in his field, a trusted partner and a highly skilled lawyer who invariably finds workable solutions to complex problems. Eilís McDonald is deeply knowledgeable about the industry, timely and helpful, and a pleasure to work with. Claire O’Brien is very commercial and very savvy in her advice. Very approachable and provides comprehensive client-based solutions. Conor McEneaney is a truly excellent lawyer and adviser. His ability to distil complex issues into easily understood language is second to none.’

‘DLA’s work to build a strong team in Dublin has been extremely impressive, and we now regard them very much as our first choice external counsel across a range of relevant issues, including the development of cyber strategy. They offer a genuine point of differentiation from the incumbent players and have invested heavily in relationship-building with their clients. The Dublin team works seamlessly with DLA’s international offices, particularly in the UK, which is extremely beneficial in providing a wider perspective on issues and experiences.’

Principaux clients

Green Mountain


Musgraves


Keywords Studios


AIB Life


Allied Irish Banks


Smurfit Kappa Group Plc


Bank of Ireland


Ernst & Young Consulting


Udemy


Permanent TSB plc


Glanbia


Payzone


Stripe Payments Ireland Limited


Royal College of Surgeons Ireland Limited


KPMG


Mount Street Mortgage Servicing Limited


EHA Advisory


Redfaire


Horizon Therapeutics


TELUS


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised AIB on a major financial services technology transformation deal.
  • Assisting various leading Irish companies with their strategic technology and privacy matters.
  • Advised Green Mountain on a significant data centre sourcing deal.

Eversheds Sutherland

Eversheds Sutherland handles the full range of contentious and non-contentious technology matters, acting for both suppliers and buyers on complex technology transactions. Marie McGinley heads the practice and has significant experience of advising domestic and international clients on technology outsourcing and cyber security matters. Other integral members of the team include Peter O’Neill and Ellie Cater – a duo specialising in data protection matters and transactions involving the acquisition or disposal of high-value technology assets.

Responsables de la pratique:

Marie McGinley


Autres avocats clés:

Peter O’Neill; Ellie Cater


Principaux clients

Momentive AI


CyrusOne LLC


Clanwilliam Health Group


Glen Dimplex


T5 Data Centres


Synch Payments DAC


SafeTnet Digital


Eaton Corporation


BearingPoint


Musgraves


DXC Technology


Specsavers


Sun Life Financial of Canada


Arachas Insurance DAC


Turas Mobility Services Limited


EirGrid


Webdoctor Limited


e-ShopWorld


UPMC


Dukes Education Group


Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman


Kingspan Group


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Synch Payments DAC, a joint venture between Ireland’s four pillar banks, with the development and launch of an interbank mobile payments solution on the Irish market.
  • Advised Kingspan on its investment in H2 Green Steel, a company developing new technological solutions for a green steel plan to manufacture low carbon steel.
  • Assisted E-ShopWorld Ascendia with a significant corporate transaction where ESW acquired Los Angeles-based Scalefast.

LK Shields Solicitors LLP

The technology and data privacy team at LK Shields Solicitors LLP acts for domestic and international clients from a wide range of sectors, with key expertise in the gaming and gambling sector. Key services include advice on software-as-a-service agreements, regulatory investigations, international data transfers, and data breaches. Jane O’Grady is experienced in complex software licensing transactions and AI regulatory matters. Aideen Burke and Eimear McCluskey left the firm in 2023.

Autres avocats clés:

Jane O’Grady


Les références

‘Team were extremely knowledgable about the subject at hand, flexible with schedules and very pleasant to deal with.’

‘Jane O’Grady was excellent at taking on board our industry experience and tailoring the recommendations provided to be practical given the industry. Always very flexible with scheduling calls and prompt to respond to any queries.’

Principaux clients

Integrated Facilities Solutions Limited t/a Fexillon


Centric Health


Visibility Blockchain Limited t/a Getvisibility


AxiomSL


MartEye Limited


Ronspot Limited


Kaleyra UK Limited


Dentons Europe LLP


CorrIT Limited


Whyze Health Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Fexillon on an ongoing basis in respect of various agreements related to its business operations.
  • Advised Centric Health on its contracts with new corporate joint venture, Carepath Connect DAC (t/a Care-Connect) and Irish Life to develop AI-generated healthcare plans for patients in a community setting.
  • Advised Getvisibility on an OEM software and cloud services licence with Forcepoint, LLC to design and develop data and security automation software solutions that Getvisibility licenses to Forcepoint internationally.

Matheson LLP

Matheson LLP has significant experience of advising blue-chip technology companies and multinational financial services companies on technology transactions, cyber security matters, and other regulatory issues. Anne-Marie Bohan heads the practice and has extensive experience of drafting and negotiating contracts for the development, sale, purchase, licensing and distribution of technology. Rory O’Keeffe and Carlo Salizzo specialise in technology outsourcing transactions and data privacy matters. Michael Byrne relies on his dispute resolution experience to handle contentious matters for technology clients and represent them in proceedings before the Irish courts.

Responsables de la pratique:

Anne-Marie Bohan


Autres avocats clés:

Rory O’Keeffe; Carlo Salizzo; Michael Byrne


Principaux clients

Allied Irish Bank plc


An Post


Aviareto


Callsign


Carne


CosenSys


Crypto.com


Grifols, S.A.


IQ-EQ


Irish Life


Microsoft


Northern Trust


Reddit


Segment


Three Ireland


Twitter


Vertex, Inc.


WaterWipes


WhatsApp


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Microsoft on an ongoing basis in connection with technology, contract and regulatory matters, including contentious contract matters.
  • Advised Zoom Video Communications, Inc. on its acquisition of Workvivo, a Cork-based employee communication and engagement platform.
  • Advised Bank of Ireland on the data protection aspect of its acquisition of a number of portfolios from KBCI.

Beauchamps LLP

Clients turn to Beauchamps LLP for advice on the full range of information technology matters, including technology contracts, GDPR compliance, data sharing arrangements, and cyber security law. The team also assists with IT due diligence and M&A transactions within the IT sector. Key members of the team include Damian Maloney, who has extensive experience of drafting and negotiating agreements relating to franchising.

Autres avocats clés:

Damian Maloney


Les références

‘Partner-led advice at all times.’

‘Available and always supportive of our typically urgent advice requirements.’

Principaux clients

IDA Ireland


Zalando


The Arts Council


Cleveland Clinic London Limited


Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission


The Mental Health Commission


Pobal


Open Medical (Europe) Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Zalando Ireland on technology-related matters.
  • Advised Tailte Éireann on matters including website terms and conditions and privacy policies.
  • Advised GSOC on issues including the data protection and intellectual property aspects of agreements with third parties regarding the provision of services.

Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP handles a diverse caseload comprising cyber risk management, contract remediation and data privacy matters, as well as technology-related disputes, for multiple domestic and international tech clients operating in Ireland. Practice head Andreas Carney has extensive experience of handling technology outsourcing matters for clients from the financial services sector. Nicola Barden’s practice focuses on conducting data protection audits and remediation projects for international clients. The team was further strengthened with the arrival of Maureen Daly, whose expertise encompasses IP and data privacy issues, from Beauchamps LLP in November 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

Andreas Carney


Autres avocats clés:

Nicola Barden; Maureen Daly


Les références

‘The team is responsive and pragmatic, giving practical advice that is easy to implement.’

‘Nicola Barden is always responsive and provides solid advice.’

‘Very impressed with the helpful approach and depth of knowledge.’

Principaux clients

Mercer (Ireland) Limited


Evervault Limited


Barclays Bank Ireland and Barclays Bank PLC


Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.


Masterlink


Towercom


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Evervault on its customer-facing master services agreement.
  • Advising Mercer on an ongoing basis on data protection issues.

RDJ LLP

RDJ LLP offers specialist technology law advice on data protection, e-commerce, and intellectual property matters to clients from a wide range of sectors, including fintech, medtech, cyber security, digital, and media. Ricky Kelly heads the practice and assists clients with the investigation, management, and mitigation of cyber security and personal data breaches. Gillian Keating and Bryan McCarthy have significant experience of handling high-value M&A transactions within the IT sector. Other key members of the team include Diarmaid Gavin, Sarah Slevin, and data protection practitioner Jennifer Noctor.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ricky Kelly


Autres avocats clés:

Gillian Keating; Bryan McCarthy; Diarmaid Gavin; Sarah Slevin; Jennifer Noctor


Principaux clients

GTT Communications, Inc.


EXA Infra


FNZ (UK) Limited


Poppulo


Genesis Automation


Irish Examiner Limited


Stanhope Financial Limited


Abtran


Hiscox as insurers for the Kerry’s Eye newspaper


Internet Neutral Exchange CLG


Marco Polo Network


Otonomee


Wayleadr


AgbioInvestor


Client Solutions


Abi Global Health


Spearline Labs/Cyara Ireland