ByrneWallace appoints four new partners

ByrneWallace is pleased to announce the continued expansion of the firm’s corporate, banking, employment and property practices with the appointment four new partners: 

Neil Keenan has over twenty years’ experience as a corporate lawyer.  Prior to joining ByrneWallace he was Managing Partner of another corporate practice.  Neil’s practice encompasses private equity, venture capital, mergers and acquisitions, corporate re-organisations and corporate governance.  Neil has advised on many large and complex transactions and has particular experience and capability in the renewable and alternative energy sectors as well as having advised many clients in technology and medical devices. Neil recently acted for a leading renewable energy business in a fundraising valued in excess of €100 million in equity and secured loan notes.

Paraic O’Kennedy has over sixteen years’ banking experience advising both financial institutions and borrowers in connection with all forms of secured and unsecured lending transactions. Paraic was previously a partner in a niche boutique banking practice and, prior to joining ByrneWallace spent six years acting as in-house counsel with one of Ireland’s pillar banks.  Recently, Paraic advised a non-institutional funder on the re-finance of a prime city centre hotel. 

With over ten years’ employment law experience, Emmet Whelan advises on all aspects of employment law and in particular specialises in contentious employment matters and employee benefits. Clients include senior executives and large public and private sector employers. Emmet has specialist expertise on the law related to whistleblowing and has recently provided significant advice to government bodies in this area.  

Helen Flynn has over twelve years' experience as a property lawyer. She has extensive experience advising on all aspects of real estate and real estate transactions. Helen specialises in commercial property acquisitions, sales, lettings and asset management and recently acted for an international fund in the purchase of a Dublin office portfolio in excess of €140 million. 

Commenting on the announcement, Managing Partner Catherine Guy said, “These appointments reflect the continued growth of the firm.  They also demonstrate our commitment to delivering an excellent service to clients by investing in and developing talented people.

“I congratulate Emmet, Helen and Paraic on their appointments and welcome Neil to the firm. I am confident that they will be successful in their new roles.”  

Pictured left-right: Neil Keenan, Partner, Corporate; Paraic O’Kennedy, Partner, Banking & Finance; Managing Partner, Catherine Guy; Emmet Whelan, Partner, Employment; and Helen Flynn, Partner, Property.