Firm appointments
Pictured L-R: Marie McGinley, Head of Technology and Innovation with Paddy Spicer, Chairperson
Matheson announce the appointment of Marie McGinley as a partner and incoming Head of Technology and Innovation effective 1 January 2026
Marie is widely recognised for her expertise in the technology and data protection sphere, bringing significant experience in technology regulation (such as AI and outsourcing), commercial contracts, information law, data protection, cyber security, crisis management, intellectual property and consumer law. Her appointment strengthens the firm's ability to support clients navigating the rapidly evolving digital and regulatory environment.
Marie will succeed Anne-Marie Bohan, who has led the Technology and Innovation Group since 2017. Anne-Marie has been central to shaping and expanding Matheson's technology practice over the last eight years and the firm acknowledges her exceptional leadership and contribution during this time.
Speaking about her appointment, Marie commented: “I’m thrilled to join the Technology and Innovation Group at such a pivotal time for the technology sector, and it is an honour to be entrusted with leading such a talented and successful team. The pace of change in areas like AI regulation, data protection, and cyber security is unprecedented, and it presents both opportunities and challenges for our clients. I look forward to working alongside my colleagues in the Technology and Innovation Group and across Matheson to help our clients navigate complexity, unlock innovation, and build resilience in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.”
Chairperson, Paddy Spicer commented that Marie's appointment "reflects our commitment to excellence and innovation in how the firm serves our internationally-focused multinational and domestic clients."
Co-head of Matheson’s Corporate department, David Fitzgibbon said "Marie’s deep sectoral expertise and leadership skills will undoubtedly enhance our ability to deliver innovative, future-focused solutions to our clients."
This appointment underscores Matheson's continued investment in sector-leading talent and its ambition to maintain its position at the forefront of technology and innovation law.
Brian Butterwick joins Matheson as a partner in the Corporate M&A Group
Brian joins Matheson with more than a decade of international experience, having previously worked in London for almost a decade with both a leading US law firm and a major international firm. Brian's practice spans the full spectrum of corporate transactional work, including public and private M&A ventures, restructurings and equity capital markets matters. He also advises clients on governance issues and ongoing regulatory compliance.
Mr Butterwick said: “Matheson has built a stellar reputation for advising internationally focused companies on some of the most complex and significant transactions in the Irish market over recent years, supported by an unrivalled breadth of expertise across the firm. I am looking forward to the opportunities this presents for our clients and to contributing to the continued success of the firm.”
Brian's appointment reflects the continued growth of Matheson's corporate practice, bringing the number of Corporate M&A partners to 17.
Pictured L-R: Brian Butterwick, Corporate M&A Partner and Michael Jackson, Managing Partner
Recent Client Successes
Matheson partnerships
Matheson hosts EU law summit with Trinity College
In September, we hosted an EU regulation summit, “Simplify to Succeed: Navigating the Evolving Regulatory Landscape”, in collaboration with Trinity College Dublin. The event brought together policy makers, academics industry leaders and legal practitioners to explore how business can thrive amid intensifying complexity across Europe.
The keynote address was delivered by Michael McGrath, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection. Panels throughout the day examined the future of financial services regulation, the implications of the EU AI Act and the diverging EU-US approaches to sustainability. Speakers emphasised the growing interconnectedness of regulatory frameworks and the opportunities this creates for innovation.
Darren Maher, incoming Managing Partner commented: "Ultimately the future belongs to those who can navigate complexity whilst identifying opportunity. In Matheson, our role extends beyond just giving regulatory interpretation to our clients."
The summit underscored the shared commitment of Matheson and Trinity to supporting informed, research-driven dialogue on the future of EU regulation and Ireland's pace within it.
Pictured L-R: Eoin Motherway, INED to Funds & FinTechs; Eric Daly, EMEA Leader at Enterprise Integration Services; Niamh Ni Choitir, Information Security Risk Specialist at McAfee; Diarmuid Bowe, Product Director at JP Morgan Workplace Solutions; Deirdre Crowley, Commercial Litigation and Digital Economy Group Partner at Matheson LLP; Nessa Lynch, Professor in Law Innovation and Technology at UCC
Matheson and UCC third annual Hackathon
Matheson and University College Cork hosted the third annual Hackathon as part of the UCC-Matheson Innovation Partnership, bringing together more than 70 students from across disciplines to tackle a complex, real-world business challenge.
The hackathon gave students the opportunity to meet with organisations and employers established in Munster, develop key career skills such as problem solving, research, teamwork, networking, innovation and public speaking and learn more about graduate recruitment opportunities from Munster-based organisations, including the Matheson Traineeship.
Teams were tasked with developing a governance response for a multinational facing new tariffs, AI driven workplace change, ESG pressures and supply-chain disruption. Guided by mentors from Matheson and industry, students showcased impressive analytical and problem-solving skills.
The winning team, consisting of Oran Linehan, Robbie Grogan, Ellen Whelton, Rosa Whelan and Niamh Hayes, stood out for their innovative and cross-disciplinary approach with each member taking home a cash prize of €1000.
The Hackathon is one initiative within a five year sponsorship which supports the creation of a new lectureship and scholarship, along with a series of lectures and collaborative events in the area of law, technology and innovation, reflecting the strong collaboration between Matheson and UCC in fostering future legal business talent.
Niamh Counihan elected to the National Council of the Law Society of Ireland
Niamh, Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs and the firm's first Pro Bono partner, brings to the Council a strong blend of regulatory expertise, commercial litigation experience and deep commitment to public service work. Niamh's appointment reflects her long standing leadership across regulatory compliance, professional standards and bro bono innovation, as well as her wider contribution to the Irish legal community.
Congratulations to Niamh on this well deserved appointment and we thank our alumni community for supporting her during the election.
Matheson sponsor Dublin International Disputes Week
Matheson was proud to sponsor this year’s Dublin International Disputes Week (DIDW), an initiative of Ireland for Law. This annual conference brings together more than 300 members of the Irish and international legal community.
Sessions, workshops and social events, covered topics such as AI, global trends in insolvency and restructuring, dispute resolution and investigations, ESG, cybersecurity, insider fraud, ethics in sports law and a judicial panel exploring the importance of a robust legal system for business.
Disputes and Investigations partner Angela Brennan co-chaired the event, while Matheson partners Julie Murphy-O'Connor, April McClements, Ruadhán Kenny, Head of Digital Services Kyle Gribben together with senior associates Ellen Cummins and Rebecca McKittrick and professional support lawyer Róisín Peart contributed to panel discussions throughout the week.
Pictured: DIDW Co-chairs Stephen O' Connor, partner at Ogier and Matheson partner, Angela Brennan
Awards and recognitions
Pictured L-R: Daisy McAndrew, Journalist; Matheson Partners Alan Bunbury; Joe Beashel; April McClements and Ingrid Cope, Senior Counsel Coca-Cola.
Matheson Awarded the European Corporate Team of the Year award at The Lawyer European Awards 2025
We are thrilled to have won the European Corporate Team of the Year award at The Lawyer European Awards 2025 in London. This prestigious award is another international acknowledgement of the skills and expertise of the skilled lawyers in our Corporate Department, supported by our business services teams. It also shows the calibre of the transactions on which Matheson leads. The firm was also Highly Commended in the Law Firm of the Year – Republic of Ireland category and was shortlisted for the European Litigation Team of the Year award.
Matheson win Law Firm of the Year at International Employment Lawyer Awards 2025
We are delighted to share that Matheson has been awarded National Law Firm of the Year at the International Employment Awards 2025. The IEL Awards celebrate outstanding achievements within the global employment law community, recognising firms who lead the way in advising international employers on complex cross-border projects.
Matheson was the only Irish law firm to be nominated across any of the award categories this year, a significant endorsement of the expertise and impact of our Employment, Pensions & Benefits team on the international stage.
We are proud to stand alongside leading international firms in representing employers in Ireland and beyond.
Pictured L-R: Employment Partners Sarah Jayne Hanna, Bryan Dunne and Alice Duffy
Matheson receives volunteering and pro bono services award.
We are proud to have received the “Volunteering and Pro Bono Services” award at the Chambers Ireland Sustainable Business Impact Awards. The award recognises the collaborative legal support of Matheson and seven other firm on the Kind Project. This vital initiative involved working closely with the Immigrant Council of Ireland, Irish Refugee Council (IRC) and Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) to provide legal support to unaccompanied refugee minors, providing access to justice in Ireland.
These awards showcase best practice in sustainable development and social responsibility and the UN Sustainable Development Goals are at their core. Pro bono is a fundamental element of our Impactful Business Programme at Matheson and this award strongly reflects the firm's dedication to meaningful community focused legal work.
We extend our congratulations to all colleagues and firms involved in achieving this recognition.
Matheson named leader in employee wellbeing innovation
Matheson has been recognised with the Most Innovative New Idea award for its outstanding integration of employee wellbeing initiatives at the MBC Annual Awards 2025.
The award highlights Matheson’s pioneering use of the Elephant in the Room initiative, which seeks to spark ongoing awareness and dialogue about mental health through an elephant sculpture named Otto - an acronym for Openly Talking Together Often. Otto has been proudly displayed throughout our locations and has been accompanied by internal campaigns and Otto-themed messaging as we continue to promote awareness of Otto and what he symbolises.
This initiative works in tandem with the firm’s Mindful Business Charter activities, which foster a culture of openness, psychological safety, and responsible business practice. Matheson is the only Irish law firm signatory of the Mindful Business Charter, a set of best practice, behavioural principles designed to tackle and reduce unnecessary and avoidable stress in the workplace. Collectively, these activities have contributed to an inclusive and supportive workplace culture at Matheson, reinforcing the firm's commitment to employee wellbeing as a central part of its Impactful Business Programme.
Impactful Business Programme
Matheson partners with Flogas in renewable energy agreement
Matheson has entered into a landmark long-term Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA) with Flogas which will enable a supply of 100% renewable energy to the firm's Irish offices.
This step marks a first-of-its-kind move by an independent Irish Law Firm, aligning our internal operations with sustainable energy practices and directly supporting Ireland's decarbonisation efforts. In addition, it will also support the construction of the Tullyhaw Wind Farm, developed by Natural Forces, contributing to the further decarbonisation of Ireland’s electricity system.
Led by teams across our ESG Advisory and Energy, Natural Resources & Utilities Groups, the partnership reinforces our commitment to sustainability, long-term emissions reduction and supporting Irelands renewable infrastructure. This milestone reflects both our responsibility as a business and our continued ambition to lead by example in Ireland's transition to clean energy.
Pictured L-R: Verona Mitchell (Head of Facilities, Matheson LLP); Jonathan Wagner Coffey (Director – Development Ireland, Natural Forces); Barra Scott (Project Developer, Natural Forces); Barry Murphy (Energy Services Director, Flogas); Garret Farrelly (Chair of ESG Advisory Group and Head of the Energy, Natural Resources and Utilities Group, Matheson LLP); John Brereton (Principal, Natural Forces); Owen Collins (Partner, Energy, Natural Resources and Utilities, Matheson LLP) and James Temple (Renewables Manager, Flogas).
Matheson takes part in ASI Memory Walk
Matheson was proud to once again support the Alzheimer Society of Ireland's (ASI) Memory walk, an annual nationwide event that brings communities together in support of those living with dementia and their loved ones.
We were delighted to see such a large turnout from colleagues from across the firm in both Dublin and Cork, who came together to raise awareness and funds to aid research, care services and advocacy efforts. The Memory walk is a key moment in the ASI calendar, offering connection and solidarity with the 64,000 people across Ireland living with dementia. Thank you to all participants and donors whose contributions helped make this walk a success.
Supporting the Green Ocean Foundation
We recently had the opportunity to support the Green Ocean Foundation in their initiative to restore native flat oyster reefs in Dublin Bay. Matheson volunteers formed part of the team supporting this conservation effort towards regeneration of this vital habitat.
The rollout of 18,000 native European flat oysters in floating baskets along the breakwater in Dún Laoghaire Marina will help purify billions of litres of seawater annually, boost marine biodiversity, revive native habitats, and promote natural carbon sequestration, contributing to the long-term restoration of Dublin Bay’s ecosystem.
Well done to the Green Ocean Foundation for driving this transformative project and to all the volunteers for their dedication. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have for the local marine environment and future generations.
Pictured L-R: Verona Mitchell, Head of Facilities and Facilities manager Eva Molly
Launch of 2025-2026 TY Programmes
In December, we welcomed our first TY programme of 2025-2026. As part of our Impactful Business Programme, we ensure at least 20% of participants are from DEIS schools. Throughout the week, students gained valuable insights into law and business through interactive workshops, collaborative challenges and talks from colleagues across the firm. Highlights included a CV-writing workshop, a Dragon’s Den challenge, negotiation-skills workshop, a moot court and a visit to Google’s European Headquarters.
Preparations are already underway for our February and April 2026 TY Programmes, each of which will welcome 50 pupils to the firm. Thank you to the 30+ Matheson employees who helped facilitate this programme.
