Chambers and Partners UK 2009 - References

Banking and Finance

This “client-focused and highly driven banking team” advises financial institutions and borrowers on all aspects of acquisition finance, commercial property finance and funding of PFI/PPP projects. Noted for their assertive style, the lawyers advise Barclays, Northern Bank, Bank of Scotland and HSBC. In one highlight matter, the group advised Ulster Bank on providing a finance and security package to Botanic Inns Group for its debt refinancing and the acquisition of various licensed premises. Clients affirm that the firm “is brilliant at managing relationships and at assisting on the most complex transactions.” Impressive associate Fearghal O’Loan draws praise for “his diligent, energetic and commercial approach. He sees both sides of the argument and offers practical solutions to all problems,” enthuse commentators.

Clinical Negligence: Mainly Defendant – Band 1

This team represents various defence organisations in a range of medical negligence disputes and is highly rated for the excellent service it provides its clients. Market observers single out the “tenacious and proactive” Andrew Anthony for his successful handling of high-value claims. New entrant Alistair Wilson also garners praise for his significant successes in the area.

Construction – Band 1

While this firm is best known for its traditional focus on arbitration and litigation, Tughans has expanded its offering to cater for work of the non-contentious nature and is taking on an increasing amount of instructions concerning the drafting and commencement of construction projects. The firm’s client list features significant names such as Diageo and Tesco, and Michael McCord recently advised the latter on a dispute with a local property developer. Commentators praise his high-quality construction work.

Corporate Finance – Band 1

This corporate practice continues to grow and has the breadth of knowledge and the manpower to handle some of the largest transactions in Northern Ireland, including those of an international scope. It advised the Mivan Group on the disposal of its Far East operations and was instructed by Resource on the acquisition of Pall Mall, the UK cleaning and security services division of Carillion. Clients say the firm offers real value for money: “The lawyers are available to us at very short notice at any hour and have never let us down in any way.” John-George Willis has advised IT companies on M&A work and venture capital funding and also has an interest in the corporate aspects of agribusiness. “Whilst in negotiations and dealings we feel very comfortable because he knows our business and the implications behind his advice,” say clients. Interviewees praise “the engine of the team” Ian Coulter: “He is commercial, open and genuinely keen to find ways to add value for us.” Other clients point out his “fantastic client protection and awareness - his concentration levels are phenomenal.” Vicky Dummigan has impressed clients with her “excellent attention to detail,” which she applies to M&A, MBOs, venture capital and private equity investments. Killian Margey runs the firm’s Derry office and his expertise lies in advising technology companies, funding and M&A, joint ventures, IPOs and general corporate compliance. Neasa Quigley is “great to deal with” and provides “quality work and seamless support” on various corporate transactions.

Dispute Resolution – Band 1

This is one of Northern Ireland’s largest commercial firms, with offices in central Belfast, Derry and Lurgan, and litigation forms one of its six core practice areas. Clients praise the team’s direct method of counsel and strength in representing leading insurance institutions, major industrial companies and public bodies. Highlight work for the group has included advising First Title Insurance, the largest provider of title insurance in the UK and Europe, on a dispute over title to land involving an issue of adverse possession. The lawyers have also been appointed to act as panel solicitors for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, representing its interests in building contract disputes, adjudications and arbitrations. Blue-chip companies feature on the impressive client roster, and the team also benefits from a multitude of referrals from English firms. “Fantastic litigator” Michael McCord is well known on the litigation circuit. He leads the four-strong commercial litigation department and wins plaudits for his outstanding “ability to narrow down the issues quickly and come up with solutions that are agreeable to everyone.” He handles a range of commercial litigation matters, including building contract litigation and arbitration, property and company shareholder disputes, judicial review and debt recovery. Tobias McMurray continues to win plaudits for his “impressive work ethic” and for adopting an “incredibly thorough approach to matters.”

Intellectual Property – Band 1

Capitalising on the buoyant technology sector within the region at present, this “highly efficient, effective and skilled firm” debuts in the top band this year. Interviewees comment on the “strong technical expertise, excellent practical advice and reliable delivery of its work,” with one source enthusing: “For IP we would only use Tughans.” The team handles many complex hard IP issues on both a local and an international scale. Its “focus on finding solutions and not on maximising fee generation” allows it to attract an impressive range of clients, predominantly from the technology sector, including Fujitsu Services, Lagan Technologies and Relay Software. The team recently advised Westland Horticulture on procurements relating to its IT infrastructure, and Invest Northern Ireland on various IP issues relating to its current investments. Clients describe partner Adrian O’Connell as “a true expert in his field.”

Personal Injury: Mainly Defendant - Band 1

With offices in Belfast, Derry and Lurgan, this busy firm is recognised for its enviably broad base of clients in the personal injury arena. Managing partner Grahame Loughlin draws praise for his work on behalf of insurers, and is widely regarded as “a brilliant adviser who is pragmatic and thorough in his approach.”

Professional Discipline

This Northern Irish firm regularly appears before regulatory bodies such as the GDC and the GMC, acting on behalf of medical practitioners. The “highly skilled and courteous lawyers” attract client praise for their wealth of experience and attentive counsel. Operating out of the litigation department, Andrew Anthony “is an impressive lawyer who combines encyclopaedic knowledge of medical law with a pragmatic approach - he will concentrate on resolving disputes rather than taking an adversarial stance,” admiring sources say.

Real Estate – Band 1

“An exceptional group with great team spirit,” Tughans joins the leaders in this sector after impressing commentators market-wide with its “watertight, easily comprehensible advice.” The “friendly and practically minded team” is prized for its highly responsive, prompt service, and head of department Phyllis Agnew is singled out as its greatest asset. She combines “a commercial approach with thorough, detailed advice,” making her “one of the best solicitors in Belfast,” according to clients. She often assists developers and investors with complex developments and has a strong background in advising bidders on PPP and PFI projects. Equally well known is John Mills, who covers all aspects of commercial property and has ample expertise in advising financial institutions and borrowers on secured lending. The department also houses several rising stars, among whom clients single out Tracey Schofield as one of the brightest up-and-coming talents. “She has real grit and will stand up for her clients,” report commentators. Developers and investors frequently retain her to handle major acquisitions. Brenda Doris has made a similarly positive impression: “Her approachable manner helps transactions run smoothly,” according to sources. Doris advises on acquisitions, disposals and leasing, and also handles the property aspects of corporate deals. The team’s impressive list of retail clients features Woolworths and Boots, and the lawyers are presently handling the acquisition of sites across Northern Ireland for Tesco. The group maintains a healthy practice in development and land assembly work, and during the past year has strengthened its expertise in public regeneration schemes. It is currently advising on the redevelopment of Derry City and Belfast’s Titanic Quarter. International companies, institutional clients and public sector entities also instruct the team, and it regularly advises Belfast Harbour Commissioners.

Real Estate Litigation – Band 1

Predominantly covering commercial, insurance and medical negligence matters, this four-lawyer litigation team also acts on property-related disputes. Its large base of developer clients is a valuable source of work, which has included the recovery of rent arrears, rent reviews and leasing disputes. As a result of the current economic climate, the team has also seen an upsurge in work related to tenant insolvencies and the recovery of units on behalf of landlords; it also has residential experience on unit redevelopments. Key contact Michael McCord handles general litigation, property disputes and debt recovery matters. Clients appreciate the fact that “he always considers commercial interests,” as well as his “proactive, thorough approach” to litigation; they add that they “have great faith in his abilities.”