footer shape

Hit enter to search or esc to close

glyph shape glyph shape

As a long-standing advisor to many public sector bodies in all streams of public sector work, Holmes offers its public sector clients an unparalleled level of expertise and experience. 

Our clients value our straightforward and pragmatic advice. Our public sector group is multi-disciplinary, offering technical expertise on a range of issues from various practices in the firm.  We work in an integrated way and approach issues from a variety of perspectives, considering the wider economic and legal context. 

Our public sector group is known for their broad experience advising on public and regulatory law at national, European and international levels, including compliance with statutory obligations, the exercise of powers and functions to the interpretation of primary and secondary legislation, due process, ultra vires issues and judicial review proceedings. 

We have a long history of advising clients on all areas of public and administrative law including public procurement, tribunals of inquiry and public inquiries concerning environmental and planning law.  This includes acting in Judicial Reviews, Statutory Appeals and Cases Stated.  We also advise public bodies on Freedom of Information law (“FOI”), Data Subject Access Requests (“DSARs”), statutory complaints and on governance issues.  

Above all, we listen to our clients.  Government, the public service and semi-state organisations all face unprecedented pressure to demonstrate transparency, efficiency and value for money. While there is no doubt that the Irish public sector faces tough demands and decisions, it also is being presented with opportunities to drive innovation and challenge old perceptions.  Our public sector clients need in-depth, cross-sectoral experience to help them deal with and address their emerging challenges. 

Sector specific regulation grows increasingly complex. Clients need lawyers that understand the industry, the technical language involved and can answer complex issues without the cost of extensive research and investigation. That is why our skills are so valued. 

Trusted By

National Gallery of Ireland
Revenue Commissioners
Louth County Council
Limerick 2030
Limerick City and County Council
Meath County Council
Tax Appeals Commission
Irish Greyhound Board
Kildare County Co.
SEAI
Dublin City Council
South Dublin County Co
Shannon Group
Fingal County Council
Private Security Authority
Office of Government Procurement
Commission for Railway Regulation
Kerry Co Council
NAMA
Wicklow County Co
IDA Ireland
Legal Aid Board
Clare County Council
Coilte
shape
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 regular...

Pat McInerney

Dispute Resolution | Legal 500 EMEA 2020

shape
‘Pat McInerney is a generalist of no limit because his good sense knows no boundaries.’

Pat McInerney

Real Estate | Legal 500 EMEA 2020

shape
Holmes O’Malley Sexton’s insurance practice, which is based in the firm’s Limerick office, is led by Robert Kennedy. The firm has substantial experience of defending clients against insurance claims, having acted for a number of prominent insurers.

Pat McInerney

Insurance | Legal 500 EMEA 2020

Meet the Team

Awards, Membership and Recognition

British Association for Sport and Law
Chambers & Partners
Chambers Ireland - CSR Awards 2019
CTA - Tax institute
EMEA Leading Firm 2021
EMEA Next Generation Partners 2021
Foil Logo
IELA Enviro
ILN logo
Law Society Badge
Legal 500
Cork Chamber Member 2021
Mid West Lean Network Logo
PNLA
Winner Best Employer Award