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Leap Irish Law Awards 2026 winners announced
Legal excellence honoured as Ireland’s top professionals gather in Dublin
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Laurencia Maguire, business manager from Leap; Cian O’Donnell, senior associate at Sweeney McGann; David King, associate solicitor at Sweeney McGann; Olivia Clohessy, associate solicitor at Sweeney McGann; Shane O’Neill, joint managing partner at Sweeney McGann; Claire Hoctor, solicitor at Sweeney McGann; Laura O'Callaghan; trainee solicitor at Sweeney McGann; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Ireland’s legal elite gathered in style on Friday, June 12th, at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin, for the 14th annual Leap Irish Law Awards. With over 650 attendees and 34 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 share a common goal with solicitors: we are all about progress,” said Michelle Daly, chief operating officer of Leap. “Leap is proud to be the headline sponsor of this event because it gives the hardworking Irish legal sector a well-deserved moment to stop, reflect and celebrate their incredible achievements.”
Hosted by broadcaster Anton Savage, the evening featured special appearances by Rosemarie Loftus, president of the Law Society of Ireland and Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good 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 Sweeney McGann, Co Limerick, representing the Munster region. The firm took home two awards, reflecting their outstanding client service and strategic growth. “We are very proud to receive three Irish Law Awards,” said Stephen Keogh, managing partner at Sweeney McGann. “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.”
Munster: Sweeney McGann, Co Limerick (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.
This year’s judging panel – chaired by Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good – 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
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
Gwen Bowen, principal at Bowen & Co Solicitors
Hilary O’Connor, consultant solicitor at JV Geary Solicitors and accredited mediator
Mark Tottenham, barrister, and trust and estate practitioner
Morette Kinsella, solicitor and notary public at Parker Law Solicitors
Fiona Conroy, head of legal, Independent Trustee Company
Juli Rea, solicitor and partner at JRAP O’Meara Solicitors
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.
The Leap Irish Law Awards 2026 highlighted not only individual excellence but also the collective spirit, innovation and integrity that define Ireland’s legal community.
Brian McMullin shared his experience: “As a member of the judging panel for the 2026 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.”
Closing the night was the presentation of the lifetime achievement award, sponsored by Leap, to Judge Gerard Griffin. The room rose in a heartfelt standing ovation to honour his extraordinary career, bringing a memorable evening celebrating dedication and excellence in the legal profession to a perfect close.
Winners
ADR firm of the year (sponsored by HRM4Less)
Graham Kenny Solicitors, Co Dublin
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Carmel Nielsen, business development manager at HRM4less; Graham Kenny, principal solicitor at Graham Kenny Solicitors; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Banking & finance legal team/lawyer of the year
Fexco, Co Kerry
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Arran Dowling, judge of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Margaret Maguire, general counsel at Fexco; Kelsie Somers, regulatory counsel at Fexco; Aoibheann O'Grady, in-house legal counsel (solicitor) at Fexco; Sorcha Burke, lawyer at Fexco; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Civil litigation law firm/lawyer of the year
Dublin: Lavelle Partners, Co Dublin (overall winner)
Connacht/Ulster: McGinley Solicitors, Co Donegal
Leinster: Coghlan Kelly, Co Wexford
Munster: Sweeney McGann, Co Limerick
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Dermot McClean, partner in the Litigation & Dispute Resolution Team at Lavelle Partners; Ciarán Leavy, partner and head of litigation and dispute resolution at Lavelle Partners; Georgina Lanigan, partner and head of the Asset & Debt Recovery Team at Lavelle Partners; Avril Scally, partner and head of the Medical Negligence & Personal Injury Team at Lavelle Partners; Greg Flanagan, partner and head of the Property Team at Lavelle Partners; Denise Dockery, partner in the Property Team at Lavelle Partners; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Corporate/commercial law team/lawyer of the year proudly (sponsored by Arachas)
MHP Sellors, Co Clare
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Stephen Keogh, managing partner at MHP Sellors; Martin Flanagan, corporate account director at Arachas; Yuliya Lennon, solicitor at MHP Sellors; Dervla Beirne, solicitor at MHP Sellors; Ronan Hynes, partner at MHP Sellors; 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 and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Michael Hennessy, principal at Michael Hennessy Solicitors; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Diversity and inclusion firm of the year
Jacob Law, Co Waterford
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Linda Branagan, solicitor at Jacob Law; Marianne Reynolds, practice manager at Jacob Law; Jenny and Steven Jacob, solicitor partners and founders at Jacob Law; Damian Woods, solicitor partner at Jacob Law; Rachel Woods, business development manager at Jacob Law; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Employment law firm/team/lawyer of the year award (sponsored by Business Post)
Leinster, including Dublin: Anne O’Connell Solicitors, Co Dublin (overall winner)
Connacht/Ulster: Alastair Purdy, Co Galway
Munster: Aoife McCarthy, Douglas Law Solicitors, Co Cork
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Noel Kileen, special reports sales manager at Business Post; Anne O’Connell, principal at Anne O’Connell Solicitors; Jenny Wakely, senior associate at Anne O'Connell Solicitors; Ethna Dillon, solicitor at Anne O'Connell Solicitors; Laura Killelea, senior associate at Anne O'Connell Solicitors; Tara Kelly, solicitor at Anne O'Connell Solicitors; Hannah Smullen, legal executive at Anne O'Connell Solicitors; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Excellence & innovation in client services (sponsored by Clio)
Dublin: Chief State Solicitor’s Office – Public Procurement Law Section, Co Dublin (overall winner)
Connacht/Ulster: Lacey Solicitors, Co Antrim
Leinster: Coghlan Kelly, Co Wexford
Munster: Katherina White Solicitors, Co Cork
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Jamie Pullen, sales development representative at Clio, Christine Comiskey, assistant chief state solicitor; Maria Browne, chief state solicitor; Simon Earls, specialist state solicitor, procurement law section; Cliodhna Middleton, principal solicitor, procurement law section; Victoria Conway, state solicitor, higher, state securities section/CSSO Irish Law Awards Team; James Corbett, communications officer; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Engine room excellence award
Gillian Lynch, William Fry
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Gillian Lynch, director of knowledge at William Fry; Juli Rea, judge at the Leap Irish Law awards; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Excellence in communications (sponsored by Irish Legal News)
Laura Croke, Croke Medical Law, Co Cork
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Mike Hartley, CRO at Hero Media and Entertainment; Laura Croke, founder of Croke Medical Law; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Expert witness of the year:
James Northridge, UrAbility, Co Cork
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Mark Tottenham, judge at the Leap Irish Law Awards; James Northridge, founder of UrAbility; Kate MacGuinness, global integrated talent strategy manager at Accenture; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Family law firm/team/lawyer of the year award
Dublin: Niamh Walsh, Gore & Grimes Solicitors, Co Dublin (overall winner)
Connacht/Ulster: Geraghty & Co Solicitors, Co Galway
Leinster: Clarke Jeffers, Co Carlow
Munster: Teresa O’Sullivan, Douglas Law, Co Cork
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Stuart Gilhooly, judge of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Niamh Walsh, partner and head of family law at Gore & Grimes Solicitors; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
In-house (non-civil service/public sector) legal team/lawyer of the year
EY General Counsel Office, Co Dublin
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Gillian Fischer, deputy general counsel at EY; Elizabeth Mara, employment counsel at EY; Gemma O’Meara, legal counsel at EY; Michael Salley, legal counsel at EY; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Law book of the year
Irish Legal Capacity and Assisted Decision-Making, by Aine Hynes, Co Dublin
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Colm Moran, legal assistant at St John Solicitors; Áine Hynes, partner at St John Solicitors; Aoife de Staic, legal executive at St John Solicitors; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Law correspondent of the year
Connor Beaton, Irish Legal News, Co Dublin
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Connor Beaton, former editor of Irish Legal News; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Law firm innovation award (sponsored by Dye & Durham)
O’Donoghue and Associates, Co Cork
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Stefan Dutczyn, account manager at Dye & Durham; Kevin O’Donoghue, partner at O'Donoghue and Associates; Michele Nunan, general practice solicitor at O'Donoghue and Associates; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Law school of the year
DCU School of Law and Government, Co Dublin
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Ann McGarry, judge at Leap Irish Law Awards; Derek Hand, executive dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at DCU; Michael Breen, associate professor in international political economy at DCU; Christy Ann Petit, assistant professor in European Law at DCU: Emma McEvoy, assistant professor in Law at DCU; Edoardo Celeste, associate professor of law, technology and innovation at DCU; Goran Dominioni, assistant professor in climate change law and policy; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Law student of the year
Colman Monaghan, University of Galway
Róisín Cunningham, University of Galway
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Miriam Collins, student at University of Galway; Thomas Cannon, student at University of Galway; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Lawyer of the year proudly (sponsored by MSL Motor Group)
Dublin: Keith Walsh, Keith Walsh Solicitors, Co Dublin (overall winner)
Connacht/Ulster: Natasha McDermott, McDermott Solicitors, Co Donegal
Leinster: Paul Brady, Paul Brady & Co Solicitors, Co Meath
Munster: Ronan Hynes, Sellors, Co Limerick
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Rodica McCormack, solicitor at Keith Walsh Solicitors; team member at Keith Walsh Solicitors; Keith Fallon, brand manager at MSL Motor Group; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Legal educator of the year
Suzanne Egan, associate professor, UCD Sutherland School of Law, Co Dublin
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Suzanne Egan, associate professor at UCD; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Legal executive of the year (sponsored by Iilex)
Mary Hughes, Michael Staines and Co Solicitors, Co Dublin
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Gabriel Canning, president of Iilex; Mary Hughes, trails manager at Michael J Staines & Company Solicitors; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Mental health and capacity law firm/team/lawyer of the year
Joan Doran, Joan Doran Solicitor, Co Dublin
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Joan Doran, owner of Joan Doran Solicitors; Daniel Doran; Jack Meehan; Valerie Duffy; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Personal injury/medical negligence law firm/lawyer of the year (sponsored by Davy)
Dublin: PBN Litigation, Co Dublin (overall winner)
Connacht/Ulster: Damien Tansey Solicitors, Co Sligo
Leinster: Connellan & Noone Solicitors, Co Longford
Munster: MM Halley & Son, Co Waterford
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Louise O’Connor, director, Compensation Awards Team at Davy; Freda Murphy, solicitor at PBN Litigation; Lauryn Dempsey, legal secretary at PBN Litigation; Monika Stupienko, legal executive at PBN Litigation; Demi, legal assistant at PBN Litigation; Piarais Neary, partner at PBN Litigation; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Pro bono publico/community law firm/lawyer/barrister/barrister group of the year (sponsored by Appleby Jewellers)
Mercy Law Resource Centre, Co Dublin
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Mark Appleby, managing director at Appleby Jewellers; Siobhban, Mercy Law resource centre; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Probate law firm/team/lawyer of the year
Connacht/Ulster: Geraghty & Co Solicitors, Co Galway
Dublin: Lavelle Partners, Co Dublin
Leinster: Coonan Cawley Solicitors, Co Kildare
Munster: HOMS Assist, Co Limerick (overall winner)
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Sean Fitzgerald, solicitor at HOMS Assist; Olga Sandys, solicitor at HOMS Assist; Claire Tuohy, partner at HOMS Assist; Robert Bourke, solicitor at HOMS Assist; Ita Barrett, office manager at HOMS Assist; Clíodhna Finnin, solicitor at HOMS Assist; Áine McSweeney, solicitor at HOMS Assist; Sorcha Nagle, solicitor at HOMS Assist; Marie Moloney, solicitor at HOMS Assist; William Donovan, solicitor at HOMS Assist; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Property law firm/team/lawyer of the year
Connacht/Ulster: William Wilson, Lacey Solicitors, Co Antrim
Dublin: O’Connor, Co Dublin (overall winner)
Leinster: Clarke Jeffers, Co Carlow
Munster: Kieran Mulcahy Solicitors, Co Limerick
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Helen McGrath, partner at O’Connor; Katelin Toomey, associate at O’Connor; Thomas Cochrane, associate at O’Connor; Sinead Collins, solicitor at O’Connor; Alex Esson, marketing manager at Leap; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Public sector/civil service in-house legal team/lawyer of the year
EirGrid, Co Dublin
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Brian McMullin, Judge of Leap Irish Law awards; Catherine Byrne, head of legal services at EirGrid; Hugh Byrne, senior solicitor at EirGrid; Frances Spillane, senior legal secretary at EirGrid; Deirdre O’Hanlon, senior solicitor at EirGrid; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Service provider to the legal profession
Dye & Durham Ireland, Co Dublin
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Marie Coleman; Debbie Roche, law searcher in conveyancing and litigation at Dye & Durham; Karina Szeliga; Mary Clare McCole, team lead agency at Dye & Durham; Carol Sargent, senior programmer at Dye & Durham; Saoirse Ni Gabhann; Bea Nonell Durban, law clerk at Dye & Durham; Jonny Harris; Stefan Dutczyn, author at Dye & Durham; Teesha Chaudhuri, customer success at Dye & Durham; Hilary O'Connor, judge at Leap Irish Law awards, and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Sole practitioner of the year
Connacht/Ulster: Niall Fox, Niall Fox Solicitors, Co Cavan (overall winner)
Dublin: Aaron Duff, Signal Legal Foundry, Co Dublin
Leinster: Breda Cullivan & Co Solicitors, Co Kildare
Munster: Majella Walsh Solicitors, Co Cork
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Niall Fox, principal solicitor at Niall Fox Solicitors; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Sole principal of the year
Connacht/Ulster: Deirdre Gallagher, Boner Gallagher and Co Solicitors, Co Donegal
Leinster, including Dublin: Andrea Clarke, Coyne Solicitors, Co Dublin (overall winner)
Munster: Kevin O’Donoghue, O’Donoghue And Associates, Co Cork
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Andrea Clarke, principal solicitor at Coyne Solicitors; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Special merit
Gareth Noble, solicitor, KOD Lyons Solicitors
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; and Gareth Noble, partner at KOD Lyons Solicitors. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
The global excellence award for the leading international law firm in Ireland 2026
Addleshaw Goddard
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Caoilfhionn Ní Chuanacháin, partner at Addleshaw Goddard; Sean Twomey, real estate partner at Addleshaw Goddard; Ray Byrne, partner at Addleshaw Goddard; Addleshaw Goddard team; and Anton Savage, MC of the night. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
Lifetime achievement award (sponsored by Leap)
Gerard Griffin
Richard Hammond, solicitor and partner at Hammond Good and chair of the judging panel of the Leap Irish Law Awards; Gerard Griffin; and Michelle Daly, chief operating officer at Leap. Photograph: Paul Sherwood
To view the full gallery of the night or to inquire about entering the 2027 awards, visit irishlawawards.ie
