Our people

Caoilfhionn Ní Chuanacháin

"Caoilfhionn is a pleasure to deal with. She is very strong at getting to grips with the situation at hand". - Chambers Europe, 2024

Partner, Head of Dispute Resolution (Ireland)
Dublin, Ireland

EXPERTISE

Caoilfhionn has an established commercial litigation practice with a standout reputation for client service. She has successfully represented Irish and international clients in a wide range of business disputes before the Irish Courts, with a focus on the Commercial Court. Caoilfhionn is an all-rounder but her practice has a particular focus on financial services litigation, high profile property related litigation and professional negligence claims. She has significant experience in alternative dispute resolution and sits on the Executive Committee of Arbitration Ireland.

EXPERIENCE

Recent Experience includes advising

A large professional services firm on the defence of a negligence claim valued at €800M.

An international retailer in Commercial Court injunction proceedings arising out of the redevelopment of a landmark Dublin shopping centre.

A pillar bank in defending a claim brought by a high profile individual in respect of the purchase of a substantial property by the Bank.

The liquidators of two separate Cayman Island hedge funds in large-scale professional negligence claims against a third party service provider valued at €280M and €600M respectively.

Irving Picard as Trustee for the SIPA Liquidation of Bernard Madoff Investment Securities LLC and Bernard Madoff on all aspects of Irish law including potential recovery against Irish domiciled entities, recognition of US Federal Law in Ireland and monitoring proceedings in the Irish courts relating to recovery claims by Madoff investors.

Representative Clients:

Allied Irish Banks plc, Bank of Ireland, Grant Thornton, Inditex, Irving Picard as Trustee for the SIPA Liquidation of Bernard Madoff Investment Securities LLC, Marks & Spencer, PwC, Q-Park, Smiggle, Tommy Hilfiger, Marks & Spencer.

Testimonials

"Caoilfhionn is a pleasure to deal with. She is very strong at getting to grips with the situation at hand, considering it in conjunction with the specifics of the industry and dispensing relevant advice."
Chambers Europe, 2024

"She is technically very strong, but also very pragmatic."
Chambers Europe, 2024

"Caoilfhionn provides prompt advice in a digestible fashion and works well with senior counsel to develop strategy…she provides strong support in dealing with difficult counterparties."
Chambers Europe, 2024

"Caoilfhionn is always available to me and I rely on her to not just deal with the immediate problem, but to consider the overall impact on my business and our strategic goals. She is really easy to deal with and has been invaluable in helping to sell decisions to key stakeholders."
Legal 500 EMEA, 2023

"Caoilfhionn is an emerging talent in professional negligence."
Legal 500 EMEA, 2023

"Caoilfhionn is ranked as a 'Next Generation Partner.'"
Legal 500 EMEA, 2018-2023

"Caoilfhionn is really excellent; she has an unrivalled level of knowledge in complex litigation matters, is a pleasure to deal with and is very responsive."
Chambers Europe, 2023

“Caoilfhionn is an emerging dispute resolution specialist with a strong track record in the insurance sector…she also impresses in property disputes, professional negligence and financial services cases.”
Legal 500 EMEA, 2022

"She is my go-to person for strategic advice, she is always spot-on in terms of tailoring the advice to my needs."
Chambers Europe, 2022

“A standout partner that I work with…Caoilfhionn brings a strategic perspective coupled with a comprehensive grasp of details…strong technical knowledge and use this to ensure that the focus is on the most critical issues.”
Legal 500 EMEA, 2021

“She can see around corners in complex litigation…her client management skills are excellent. She is responsive and listens to the client in terms of the approach and strategy we want to take.”
Chambers Europe, 2021

“I would single Caoilfhionn Ní Chuanacháin out as a star. She never fails to impress. She is client focused and will always go above and beyond to ensure the best possible outcome…she is an excellent litigator – aggressive in protecting her client’s interests yet practical in seeking to secure cost-effective results.”
Legal 500 EMEA, 2020

“Caoilfhionn stands out for commerciality and the ability to take a pragmatic approach to issues…fantastic at cutting through the issues to get to the point and in bringing the client through the process. More than anything she is available and you know that you are in safe hands when she is representing you.”
Legal 500 EMEA, 2020

“Caoilfhionn is steely in pursuit of her client’s objectives…she is extremely approachable and receptive to ideas from the client.”
Chambers Europe, 2020

"Caoilfhionn communicates in a concise and clear manner and always displays persistence in the face of challenging and complex issues."
Chambers Europe, 2019

Professional Memberships

Law Society of England & Wales
Dublin Solicitors Bar Association

Education

Advanced Diploma in Corporate, White-Collar and Regulatory Crime 2023, The Honourable Society of King's Inns
Admitted as a Solicitor in 2007
Diploma in Commercial Conveyancing 2006
LL.M, University of London 2003
Bachelor of Civil Law (International), University College Dublin 2001 (& DePaul University College of Law, Chicago)

Publications