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Leap Irish Law Awards 2025 winners announced
Legal excellence honoured as Ireland’s top professionals gather in Dublin
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good LLP and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Ronan Hynes, partner at MHP Sellors LLP; Dervla Beirne, solicitor at MHP Sellors LLP; Stephen Keogh, managing partner at MHP Sellors LLP; Derek Walsh partner at MHP Sellors LLP; Laurencia Maguire, business manager from Leap; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Ireland’s legal elite gathered in style on Friday, June 6th, at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin, for the 13th annual Leap Irish Law Awards. With more than 500 attendees and 31 award categories, the event recognised the professionals, firms and rising stars who continue to shape the future of Irish law.
Proudly serving as headline sponsor, Leap reaffirmed its commitment to excellence and innovation in the legal sector. “We are delighted to be sponsoring the Leap Irish Law Awards 2025. It’s great to be involved in such a prestigious event to celebrate some of the best firms in the Irish market,” said Shane Branagan, chief executive of Leap.
Hosted by broadcaster Anton Savage, the evening featured special appearances by Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan and Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good LLP and chair of the judging panel. Both praised the remarkable quality of this year’s entries.
One of the evening’s highest honours, law firm of the year, sponsored by Leap, was awarded to MHP Sellors LLP, Co Clare, representing the Munster region. The firm also took home a total of three awards, reflecting their outstanding client service and strategic growth. “We are very proud to receive three Irish Law Awards. This is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our entire team in Ennis and Limerick and our shared goal of delivering results-driven legal solutions to our clients,” said Stephen Keogh, managing partner.
Leinster: Byrne Carolan Cunningham LLP Solicitors, Co Westmeath
Munster: MHP Sellors LLP, Co Clare (overall winner)
Throughout the evening, winners were recognised across a diverse range of practice areas including family law, employment law, corporate law and more. The awards also paid tribute to educational institutions and rising legal talent, with categories such as law student of the year and law school of the year.
Conor Beaton, legal affairsjJournalist of Irish Legal News, added: “A great time as always at the Leap Irish Law Awards 2025 yesterday evening, where I was delighted to present the award for excellence in communications to the Office of the Parliamentary Legal Advisers, an award which I know is richly deserved.”
Legal excellence honoured as Ireland’s top professionals gather in Dublin
The 2025 Leap Irish Law Awards were made possible through the generous support of a dedicated community of sponsors including Calcutta Run, Currencies Direct, IILEX, Irish Legal News, Dye & Durham and media partner the Business Post. Leading the charge was Leap as headline sponsor, reinforcing its deep investment in the legal sector.
This year’s judging panel – chaired by Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good LLP – brought together a respected group of legal professionals including:
Aaron McKenna, solicitor and principal at Aaron McKenna Solicitors
Aideen Neylon, head of legal, Veterinary Council of Ireland
Aisling Meehan, solicitor and principal at Aisling Meehan Agricultural Solicitors
Ann McGarry, principal solicitor at Ann McGarry & Co Solicitors
Arran Dowling-Hussey, barrister, arbitrator, adjudicator and mediator
Brian McMullin, solicitor and principal at Brian J McMullin Solicitors
Conor MacGuill, solicitor and principal at Conor MacGuill Solicitors
David Mullins, in-house solicitor at University College Dublin
Eamonn Kennedy, legal counsel to Ibec
Fiona Conroy, head of legal, Independent Trustee Company
Josephine Fitzpatrick, solicitor and principal at J P Fitzpatrick and Company Solicitors
Juli Rea, solicitor and partner at JRAP O’Meara Solicitors LLP
Laurie Grace, managing partner at Grace Solicitors
Michelle McLoughlin, solicitor and principal at M McLoughlin & Co Solicitors
Rosemarie Loftus, joint managing partner at Bourke Carrigg & Loftus
Stuart Gilhooly, partner at HJ Ward & Co Solicitors, and former president of the Law Society
Drawing on deep experience across diverse areas of legal practice, the panel brought a critical eye and high standards to the judging process, ensuring each nomination was evaluated with integrity, insight and fairness.
Brian McMullin shared his experience: “As a member of the judging panel for the 2025 Leap Irish Law Awards, I had the honour of presenting the public sector/in-house legal team/lawyer of the year award to the international protection and human trafficking unit of the Legal Aid Board. Congratulations to this outstanding and well-deserving team!”
The 2025 Leap Irish Law Awards highlighted not only individual excellence but also the collective spirit, innovation and integrity that define Ireland’s legal community.
Closing the night was the presentation of the lifetime achievement award, sponsored by Leap, to former president of Ireland Mary Robinson, who left attendees with the inspiring words: “You are never too young to lead and you are never too old to learn.”
Winners
Banking & finance legal team/lawyer of the year
BNP Paribas SA, Dublin Branch, Co Dublin
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good LLP and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Alannah Shortt, legal counsel at BNP Paribas; Nicola Curray, head of legal Ireland, BNP Paribas; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Civil litigation law firm/lawyer of the year
Connacht/Ulster: Callan Tansey Solicitors LLP, Co Sligo (overall winner)
Dublin: Lavelle Partners, Co Dublin
Leinster: Fiona Baxter, Baxter Mimnagh Solicitors, Co Longford
Munster: McCarthy + Co Solicitors LLP, Co Cork
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good LLP and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Brian Gill, managing partner at Callan Tansey Solicitors; Niamh Ni Mhurchu, joint managing partner at Callan Tansey Solicitors; Caroline McLaughlin partner at Callan Tansey Solicitors; Roger Murray partner at Callan Tansey Solicitors; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Corporate/commercial law team/lawyer of the year
Sinead Corcoran, Bon Secours Health System CLG, Co Dublin
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good LLP and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Sinead Corcoran, chief legal officer, chief corporate and external affairs officer, and company secretary at Bon Secours Health System Ireland; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Criminal law firm/lawyer of the year
Michael Hennessy Solicitors, Co Dublin
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good LLP and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Michael Hennessy, managing partner at Michael Hennessy Solicitors; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Diversity and inclusion law firm of the year
Green & Associates Solicitors, Co Cork
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good LLP and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Dylan Green from Green & Associates Solicitors; Rosemarie Loftus, joint managing partner at Bourke Carrigg & Loftus and judge of the Leao Irish Law Awards; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Employment law firm/team/lawyer of the year
Connacht/Ulster: Alastair Purdy LLP, Co Galway (overall winner)
Dublin/Leinster: Wendy Doyle Solicitors, Co Dublin
Munster: Ormonde Solicitors, Co Waterford
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good LLP and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Éinde O’Donnell, partner at Alastair Purdy LLP; Noel Killeen, key account manager for Business Post; Robin Hyde, partner at Alastair Purdy LLP; Siobhan McGowan, partner at Alastair Purdy LLP; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Excellence & innovation in client services
Connacht/Ulster: Callan Tansey Solicitors LLP, Co Sligo
Dublin: State Securities Section Chief State Solicitor’s Office, Co Dublin
Leinster: Coghlan Kelly Solicitors, Co Wexford (overall winner)
Munster: Jacob Law LLP, Co Waterford
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good LLP and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Eric Furlong, solicitor and partner at Coghlan Kelly Solicitors; Orlagh Wafer, solicitor and partner at Coghlan Kelly Solicitors; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Excellence in communications – Proudly sponsored by Irish Legal News
The Office of Parliamentary Legal Advisers, Co Dublin
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good LLP and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Ramona Quinn, chief parliamentary legal adviser; Mellissa English, assistant secretary chief parliamentary legal adviser; Connor Beaton, editor of Irish Legal News & Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Family law firm/team/lawyer of the year
Connacht/Ulster: Geraghty & Co, Solicitors LLP, Co Galway(overall winner)
Dublin: Carol McGuinness Solicitors, Co Dublin
Leinster: Paul Brady & Co LLP, Co Meath
Munster: Marcella Sheehy, Sheehy Solicitors, Co Tipperary
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good LLP and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Sinéad Geraghty, solicitor at Geraghty & Co Solicitors LLP; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
In-house (non-Civil Service/public sector) legal team/lawyer of the year
Allied Irish Banks, plc, Co Dublin
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good LLP and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Cathal de Barra, corporate and commercial legal advisor at AIB; Ruth Milne, senior lawyer at AIB; Niall Fox senior solicitor at AIB; Ronan Johns, paralegal at AIB, Treasury Legal Services; Thomas Hurley, solicitor at AIB; Lorraine Power, data protection solicitor at AIB; Philippa Howley, head of Treasury Legal Services at AIB; Dearbhla Rafter, legal upstream specialist at AIB; Fidelma McManus, solicitor at AIB; Suzanne McKenna, head of corporate lending securities/collateral management at AIB; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
MentalhHealth and capacity law firm/team/lawyer of the year
Mark Felton, Amorys Solicitors, Co Wicklow
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good LLP and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Mark Felton, partner and solicitor at Amorys Solicitors; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Law book of the year
The Assisted Decision-Making Handbook by Emma Slattery, Co Dublin
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good LLP and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Ann McGarry, Principal Solicitor at Ann McGarry & Co Solicitors, and judge at the Leap Irish Law Awards; Emma Slattery, author and barrister at law; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Law firm innovation award – Proudly sponsored by Dye & Durham
OSM Partners LLP, Co Dublin
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good LLP and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Declan Murphy, partner, head of mortgage litigation at OSM Partners; Dario Di Murro, partner and head of property department at OSM Partners LLP; Conor Duffy, sales associate with Dye & Durham; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Law school of the year
School of Law, University of Limerick, Co Limerick
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good LLP and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Lucy Ann Buckley, head of the School of Law at University of Limerick; Alex Casey, research assistant; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Law student of the year
Abdulai Mansaray – Technological University Dublin, Co Dublin
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good LLP and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Abdulai Mansaray, law graduate; Aisling Meehan, solicitor and principal at Aisling Meehan Agricultural Solicitors; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Legal executive of the year
Nicola Murray, SMD Solicitors, Co Cork
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good LLP and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Deirdre Butler, vice-president of the Irish Institute of Legal Executives; Susan Doyle, solicitor at SMD Solicitors; Dia Silverstein, principal at Dia Silverstein Solicitors; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Legal educator of the year
Dr Brian Tobin, University of Galway, Co Galway
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good LLP and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Dr Brian Tobin, senior lecturer at School of Law, University of Galway; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Personal injury/medical negligence law firm/team/lawyer of the year
Connacht/Ulster: Callan Tansey Solicitors LLP, Co Sligo (overall winner)
Dublin: HOMS Assist, Co Dublin
Leinster: Byrne Carolan Cunningham LLP Solicitors, Co Westmeath
Munster: MHP Sellors LLP, Co Clare
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good LLP and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Roger Murray, partner at Callan Tansey Solicitors; Aoife Bromley, solicitor at Callan Tansey Solicitors; Sorcha King, solicitor at Callan Tansey Solicitors; Caroline McLaughlin, partner at Callan Tansey Solicitors; Niamh Ni Mhurchu, joint managing partner at Callan Tansey Solicitors; Treasa Norrby, associate solicitor at Callan Tansey Solicitors; Brian Gill, managing partner at Callan Tansey Solicitors; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Pro bono publico/community law firm/lawyer of the year
Griffith College Irish Innocence Project, Co Dublin
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good LLP and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Hazel Ellis, lecturer at Griffith College Faculty of Law; Tina Cronin BL, barrister and lecturer at Griffith College Faculty of Law and supervising lawyer on Innocence Project; Karen Sutton, law head of faculty at Griffith College; Jane McGowan, barrister at law at the Law Library, co-director of Innocence Project and lecturer at Griffith College Faculty of Law; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Probate law firm/team/lawyer of the year
Connacht/Ulster: Jordan & Kennelly, Co Mayo
Dublin: Lavelle Partners, Co Dublin
Leinster: Elaine Byrne Solicitors, Co Meath (overall winner)
Munster: Sweeney McGann Solicitors LLP, Co Limerick
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good LLP and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Helen Richards, business manager, north west Ireland and Border counties, Currencies Direct; Elaine Byrne, principal solicitor at Elaine Byrne Solicitors; Eoin Byrne; Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Property law firm/team/lawyer of the year – Proudly sponsored by Leap
Connacht/Ulster: Julie Doyle, West Lex Solicitors LLP, Co Mayo
Dublin: Coyne Solicitors, Co Dublin
Leinster: Byrne Carolan Cunningham LLP Solicitors, Co Westmeath
Munster: Kieran Mulcahy Solicitors, Co Limerick (overall winner)
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good LLP and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Kieran Mulcahy, principal at Kieran Mulcahy Solicitors; Michelle Daly, COO at Leap; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Public sector/Civil Service in-house legal team/lawyer of the year
International Protection & Human Trafficking Unit, Legal Aid Board, Co Dublin
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good LLP and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Hope volunteer; Brian McMullin, solicitor and principal at Brian J McMullin Solicitors; Maria Quigley, solicitor at Legal Aid Board; Thaíse A Duffy, legal clerk at Legal Aid Board; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Service provider to the legal profession
Johnson Hana, Co Dublin
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good LLP and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Sean O’Reilly, senior accountant manager at Johnson Hana; Riona McHale, CP of commercial at Johnson Hana; Emer O’Hora, head of legal and DPO at Johnson Hana; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Sole practitioner of the year
Connacht/Ulster: Natasha McDermott, McDermott Solicitors, Co Donegal (overall winner)
Dublin: Crushell & Co, Co Dublin
Leinster: Susan Webster, Susan Webster & Company, Co Kildare
Munster: Tracie Nolan, Tracie Nolan Solicitors, Co Cork
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good LLP and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Natasha McDermott, McDermott Solicitors; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Sole principal of the year
Connacht/Ulster: Carter Anhold & Co Solicitors, Co Sligo
Dublin/Leinster: Michael Hennessy, Co Dublin(overall winner)
Munster: Suzanne Parker, Parker Law Solicitors, Co Waterford
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good LLP and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Michael Hennessy, managing partner at Michael Hennessy Solicitors; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Lawyer of the year
Connacht/Ulster: David McGinley, McGinley Solicitors LLP, Co Donegal
Dublin: Paul Tweed, WP Tweed & Co, Co Dublin
Leinster: Ciarán Mulholland, Mulholland Law, Co Louth(overall winner)
Munster: Geraldine Carey Legal Aid Board, Co Cork
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good LLP and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Ciarán Mullholland, principal solicitor at Mulholland Law; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
ADR firm lawyer of the year (regional and national)
Eversheds-Sutherland LLP, Co Dublin
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good LLP and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Graham Kenny, partner at Eversheds-Sutherlands LLP; Cillian Hunter-McGowan; Melissa Kenny, senior associate at Eversheds-Sutherlands LLP; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Special merit award:
Phoenix Law, Co Antrim
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good LLP and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Megan Burns; Natalie Carter, chief financial officer at Phoenix Law; Sophie McClintock, solicitor at Phoenix Law; Millie Clancey; Darragh Mackin, director at Phoenix Law; Peter Corrigan, director at Phoenix Law; Gavin Booth, partner at Phoenix Law; Diarmuid Brecknell, trainee solicitor at Phoenix Law; and James Morgan, legal executive at Phoenix Law. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Lifetime achievement – Proudly sponsored by Leap
Mary Robinson
Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
