Established in 1825, Matheson is one of Ireland's oldest and most prestigious law firms. In August 2026, the firm appointed a new managing partner in Shane Hogan, who replaced Michael Jackson. The firm has two offices in Ireland - its main base in Dublin and an office in Cork, an office in London and three in the US in New York, Palo Alto and San Francisco. Matheson excels across banking and finance transactional and regulatory, and conventional and structured debt instruments, M&A, project development and finance and restructuring and insolvency. The firm sits in Tier 1 in all but one table.

On the deal side, a recent highlight included advising PGIM Capital on the establishment of the first European Long Term Investment Fund (ELTIF) in Ireland. The deal involved setting up three sub funds and demonstrates the team's leading expertise in the funds space. In M&A, Matheson advised Smurfit Kappa on its merger with WestRock Company to form Smurfit WestRock. This significant cross-border merger, which spanned dual listings on the New York Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange, was one of the largest outbound mergers ever completed by an Irish company.  

 Testimonials 2026

“Matheson always bring huge expertise and a wider, global view to the table. They have unparalleled experience in the banking sector in Ireland. Quality of the people is key” - Banking and finance. 

“Matheson is extremely knowledgeable and professional. Collaborative in their approach to drafting and advising on legal documentation for complex transactions. They also have a real understanding of the commerciality in the transaction and make sure everything is clear and understood throughout the documentation process.” - Banking and finance 

“Technical expertise, partner availability, relevant experience.” - Banking and finance

“Matheson is a top tier Irish law firm which has high quality, respected lawyers - each at the top of their practice areas in the local market. We particularly know and trust Maireadh Dale, Lisa Tait and Carol O'Shea - each provide an efficient and solution focused service whilst ensuring deals reach completion within budget and on time. Their legal service and management of projects (particularly in REF and development finance) are second to none.” - Banking and finance

“Specific, tailored advice on complex transactions, with prompt turn-around times. The service is genuinely partner-led, and the partners always make themselves available.” - Banking and finance 

“The team was well equipped to advise and document this non-standard structure. Good communication on the areas of potential complexity which meant that we could manage our customer's expectations in a timely manner.” - Banking and finance 

“Really responsive, very outcome-focused whilst still concentrating on the detail, always ready to assist with commercially practical solutions even in difficult situations. Clearly very knowledgeable, with market-specific experience.” - M&A 

“Matheson people are very customer friendly, knowledgeable and result driven.” - M&A 

“Besides the skills and proficiency of Matheson team, we particularly appreciated their availability, dedication.” - M&A 

"Expertise is second to none. Team is very approachable and responsive." - Insolvency 

"Well-connected, deep engagement with Irish funds industry groups." - Investment Funds

"Senior people were consistently available and involved in the work." - Investment Funds

“Matheson's team have an excellent level of expertise and the ability to apply that expertise in a practical and meaningful way. They are thorough but able to deliver decisive advice against demanding timescales.” - Project finance 

"Maireadh Dale was very knowledgeable and understood the brief from our bank. Was very commercial when dealing with the borrower and practical in terms of managing billings. Very patient and represented the bank very well.” - Maireadh Dale 

"Maireadh doesn't drop a ball - you can always count on her and her team to deliver on every mandate. She is efficient, legally astute and commercial. She is particularly good in any mandate that requires project management - REF deals and Development for example." - Maireadh Dale

"Conor Blennerhassett has impressive industry knowledge, very responsive and proactive. Always gives detailed and considered advice, and effectively manages the balance of legal and commercial considerations at all points of the deal."- Conor Blennerhassett

"Paul Carroll  is a very good communicator, who works well under pressure and is a highly knowledgeable financial services lawyer, who is strategic in his advice." - Paul Carroll 

"Technically strong, unflappable, problem solver." - Paul Carroll

“Stuart Kennedy always acts professionally and is extremely responsive. His knowledge of the aviation industry has been great to guide us through the beginning of our company and its complex structure.” - Stuart Kennedy

“Stuart stands out with his professionalism, his availability and his understanding of the requests and our structure.” - Stuart Kennedy

“He listens to what you are saying, meets tight timelines and is well organized.” - Stuart Kennedy

“Manages the team efficiently.” - Stuart Kennedy

“Very friendly, responsive and knowledgeable. Reliable pair of hands.” - Stuart Kennedy

"David O'Mahony is well versed in all things receivables finance, he is a clear communicator and can readily provide guidance on a legal query with ample experience and knowledge across the sector. David always fully considers your business requirements and advises, ensuring any risks are appropriately identified / called out." - David O'Mahony

"David is a clear thinker, is very transparent and efficient in how her operates. I have always found him to be focused on delivering for his clients rather than scoring points off other lawyers." - David O'Mahony

"Excellent legal knowledge allied to a focus on getting the deal done, communication and support." - David O'Mahony

“Rory McPhillips is commercially minded, has great industry knowledge and always goes above and beyond for his clients.” -

Rory McPhillips

“He listens to the client, gets the work done, solves the problems and delivers on time.” - Rory McPhillips

Key clients 

Bank of Ireland, Allied Irish Banks, NTMA, Smurfit Westrock, Hines, Amazon Conservation DAC, Dell, Bank International DAC, JP Morgan, Onate DAC, SPF Investment Management, Arrow Global, Group, BlackRock, Arini Capital Management, Finance Ireland, Bracebridge Capital