Eight Senior Appointments at Maples Group’s Irish Law Firm

In addition to these promotions, Claire Morrissey recently joined the firm as Partner and head of the Data, Commercial and Technology practice and earlier this year, Lorna Smith joined the firm as a Partner in its Financial Services Regulatory team. These lateral hires elevate the Group’s specialist knowledge in high-growth sectors and were in direct response to increasing client demand for regulatory, data protection and IP advice.

Speaking about these appointments, Ireland Managing Partner, Nicholas Butcher said, “We are very pleased to announce these senior promotions and appointments that reflect both the growth and development opportunities within the firm as well as the strong levels of activity that we anticipate in these sectors in the market, and across our domestic and international client base.”

He continued: “These appointments bring the percentage of Partners who are women in our Irish practice to 36% and although we are acutely aware that more needs to be done to achieve a balanced representation of women in our Partnership, we are proud that we continue to make progress in this crucial area. I want to congratulate all of our new Partners and Of Counsel and welcome back Caitriona Carty who will return from maternity leave in April.”

About the New Partners

Caitriona Carty

Caitriona advises on the establishment, operation and regulation of a wide spectrum of UCITS and AIFMD funds, with extensive experience in managed account platforms, closed-ended structures, alternative UCITS, LQIAIFs and other specialised fund products. Caitriona also advises asset managers establishing Irish authorised AIFMs, UCITS and MiFID management companies.

Fearghal De Feu

Fearghal advises many of the world’s leading financial institutions, asset management corporations, UCITS management companies, AIF managers, fund administrators and depositaries. He has extensive experience in the structuring, establishment, regulation and marketing of UCITS and AIFs, with particular expertise in private equity, hedge funds, fund of funds, alternative UCITS, master-feeders, LQIAIFs, managed account platforms and real asset structures.  Fearghal also advises asset managers looking to establish Irish authorised AIFMs and UCITS management companies.

Claire Morrissey

Claire is a leading adviser on data, technology and commercial contracts.  She has a particular focus on GDPR compliance and investigations, emerging technologies and complex sourcing projects.  Claire also regularly advises on the technology, IP and data aspects of joint ventures and mergers & acquisitions.

Lorna Smith

Lorna has over 10 years’ experience in financial services regulation and works closely with financial firms to manage legal and regulatory risk, and advises on engagement with the Central Bank and other regulators.  In addition to more traditional industries like banking, insurance and asset management, Lorna’s practice also focuses on growth sectors such as fintech, alternative lending and sustainable finance.

About the New Of Counsel

Eugene McCormick

Eugene specialises in commercial litigation and dispute resolution across a variety of areas including financial services, landlord and tenant, and professional negligence.  He has extensive experience conducting large scale and complex litigation, including multi-jurisdictional disputes.

Jordan O’Brien

Jordan specialises in corporate law, advising on a variety of transactions, in particular equity investments and venture capital, corporate restructurings and shareholder arrangements. Jordan also advises in respect of day-to-day corporate and commercial matters.

Karole Cuddihy

Karole specialises in corporate insolvency.  His work includes advising on liquidations, receiverships and examinerships, including acting for insolvency professionals, creditors, directors, shareholders and potential investors.  He also has significant experience in advocacy before the Irish courts.

Vanessa Lawlor

Vanessa has extensive experience advising a broad spectrum of lenders (Irish and International financial institutions, alternative lenders) and borrowers (trading companies, SPVs, funds, partnerships) on a range of domestic and cross-border finance transactions including real estate investment and development finance, funds finance (including subscription line financing), corporate debt, leveraged and acquisition finance, refinancings and restructurings.