We are thrilled to announce that this year’s LEAP Irish Law Awards winners were revealed at a gala awards ceremony on the 12th of June at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin, hosted by Anton Savage.
The awards highlight the extraordinary achievements of individuals, firms, and teams who demonstrate outstanding dedication, skill, and leadership in the practice of law.
This year’s ceremony brought together over 650 legal professionals from across the country, representing a wide range of practice areas, regions, and sectors. With 34 award categories, the night recognised solicitors, barristers, legal executives, in-house teams, law schools, and students who have gone above and beyond in delivering exemplary service and driving positive change in the legal landscape.
Among the many deserving winners on the night, Lifetime Achievement was awarded to His Honour Judge Gerard Griffin and the prestigious “Law Firm of the Year” award (sponsored by LEAP) was awarded to:
Sweeney McGann LLP (Munster) (Overall Winner)
Alastair Purdy LLP (Connacht/Ulster)
OSM Partners LLP (Dublin)
Clarke Jeffers LLP (Leinster)
Alastair Purdy LLP (Connacht/Ulster)
OSM Partners LLP (Dublin)
Clarke Jeffers LLP (Leinster)
The calibre of entries in 2026 was exceptionally high, with the judging panel facing tough decisions in every category. Each finalist represents the best in their field, and the winners stood out for their impact, innovation, and commitment to excellence.
The event also proudly supported The Calcutta Run : the Legal Fundraiser, reinforcing the legal profession’s commitment to giving back and supporting those in need both in Ireland and abroad.
The event also proudly supported The Calcutta Run : the Legal Fundraiser, reinforcing the legal profession’s commitment to giving back and supporting those in need both in Ireland and abroad.
The Irish Law Awards continue to showcase the very best of Ireland's legal community, and it is wonderful to see so many firms, universities, students, and educators engaging with the programme this year. The breadth of entries reflects the exceptional talent, commitment, and innovation that exists throughout the profession. Bringing together established legal leaders and future practitioners creates a truly special platform to celebrate achievement and recognise the people shaping the future of law in Ireland.
Jill Thornton, Head of Events at Ashville Media Group
The 2026 awards once again demonstrated the resilience and ambition of Ireland’s legal community. As the profession continues to evolve, the awards serve as a reminder of the values that define great legal practice: integrity, service, innovation, and leadership.
Press Resources
For more information visit www.irishlawawards.ie, Call 01-6401777 or email the events team with your details and enquiry to: events@ashvillemediagroup.com.
2026 Winners Revealed
| ADR Firm of the Year, Proudly Sponsored by HRM4Less: Graham Kenny Solicitors, Co. Dublin |
| Banking & Finance Legal Team / Lawyer of the Year: Fexco, Co. Munster |
| Civil Litigation Law Firm/Lawyer of the Year: Dublin: Lavelle Partners LLP (Overall Winner) Connacht/Ulster: McGinley Solicitors LLP, Co. Donegal Leinster: Coghlan Kelly LLP, Co. Wexford Munster: Sweeney McGann LLP, Co. Limerick |
| Corporate/Commercial Law Team/Lawyer of the Year, Proudly Sponsored by Arachas: MHP Sellors LLP, Co. Munster |
| Criminal Law Firm/Lawyer of the Year: Michael Hennessy Solicitors, Co. Dublin |
| Diversity and Inclusion Firm of the Year: Jacob Law LLP, Co. Munster |
| Employment Law Firm/Team/Lawyer of the Year Award, Proudly Sponsored by Business Post Leinster inc. Dublin: Anne O'Connell Solicitors (Overall Winner) Connacht/Ulster: Alastair Purdy LLP, Co. Galway Munster: Aoife McCarthy, Douglas Law Solicitors LLP, Co. Cork |
| Engine Room' Excellence Award: Gillian Lynch, William Fry, Dublin |
| Excellence & Innovation in Client Service, Proudly Sponsored by Clio Dublin: Chief State Solicitor's Office - Public Procurement Law Section (Overall Winner) Connacht/Ulster: Lacey Solicitors, Co. Antrim Leinster: Coghlan Kelly LLP, Co. Wexford Munster: Katherina White Solicitors, Co. Cork |
| Excellence in Communications, Proudly Sponsored by Irish Legal News Laura Croke, Croke Medical Law, Co. Munster |
| Engine Room Excellence Award: Team Leader of the Year in Practice Operations James Northridge, UrAbility, Co. Munster |
| Family Law Firm/Team/Lawyer of the Year Award: Dublin: Niamh Walsh, Gore & Grimes Solicitors LLP (Overall Winner) Connacht/Ulster: Geraghty & Co. Solicitors, Co. Galway Leinster: Clarke Jeffers LLP, Co. Carlow Munster: Teresa O'Sullivan, Douglas Law LLP, Co. Cork |
| In-House (Non-Civil Service/Public Sector) Legal Team/Lawyer of the Year: Ernst & Young General Counsel Office, Co. Dublin |
| Law Book of the Year: (Book) Irish Legal Capacity and Assisted Decision-Making, by Aine Hynes S.C |
| Law Correspondent of the Year: Connor Beaton, Irish Legal News Ltd, Co. Dublin |
| Law Firm Innovation Award, Proudly Sponsored by Dye & Durham O'Donoghue and Associates, Co. Munster |
| Lawyer of The Year, Proudly Sponsored by MSL Motor Group Dublin: Keith Walsh S.C, Keith Walsh Solicitors LLP (Overall Winner) Connacht/Ulster: Natasha McDermott, McDermott Solicitors, Co. Donegal Leinster: Paul Brady, Paul Brady & Co. Solicitors LLP, Co. Meath Munster: Ronan Hynes, Sellors LLP, Co. Limerick |
| Law School of the Year: DCU School of Law and Government, Co. Dublin |
| Law Student of the Year: Colman Monaghan & Róisín Cunningham, University of Galway |
| Legal Educator of the Year: Dr. Suzanne Egan, Associate Professor, UCD Sutherland School of Law, Co. Dublin |
| Legal Executive of the Year, Proudly Sponsored by iilex Mary Hughes, Michael Staines and Co. Solicitors, Co. Dublin |
| Mental Health and Capacity Law Firm / Team / Lawyer of the Year: Joan Doran, Joan Doran Solicitor, Co. Dublin |
| Personal Injury/Medical Negligence Law Firm/Lawyer of the Year, Proudly Sponsored by DAVY Dublin: PBN Litigation (Overall Winner) Connacht/Ulster: Damien Tansey Solicitors LLP, Co. Sligo Leinster: Connellan & Noone Solicitors LLP, Co. Longford Munster: MM Halley & Son, Co. Waterford |
| Pro Bono Publico / Community Law Firm / Lawyer / Barrister / Barrister Group of the Year, Proudly Sponsored by Appleby Jewellers Mercy Law Resource Centre, Co. Dublin |
| Probate Law Firm/Team/Lawyer of the Year: Munster: HOMS Assist (Overall Winner) Connacht/Ulster: Geraghty & Co. Solicitors, Co. Galway Dublin: Lavelle Partners LLP, Co. Dublin Leinster: Coonan Cawley LLP Solicitors, Co. Kildare |
| Property Law Firm/Team/Lawyer of the Year, Proudly Sponsored by LEAP Dublin: O'Connor LLP (Overall Winner) Connacht/Ulster: William Wilson, Lacey Solicitors, Co. Antrim Leinster: Clarke Jeffers LLP, Co. Carlow Munster: Kieran Mulcahy Solicitors, Co. Limerick |
| Public Sector / Civil Service In-House Legal Team/Lawyer of the Year: EirGrid PLC, Co. Dublin |
| Service Provider to the Legal Profession: Dye & Durham Ireland, Co. Dublin |
| Sole Practitioner of the Year: Connacht/Ulster: Niall Fox, Niall Fox Solicitors (Overall Winner) Dublin: Aaron Duff, Signal Legal Foundry, Co. Dublin Leinster: Breda Cullivan & Co Solicitors, Co. Kildare Munster: Majella Walsh Solicitors, Co. Cork |
| Sole Principal of the Year: Leinster inc. Dublin: Andrea Clarke, Coyne Solicitors (Overall Winner) Connacht/Ulster: Deirdre Gallagher, Boner Gallagher and Co. Solicitors, Co. Donegal Munster: Kevin O'Donoghue, O Donoghue And Associates, Co. Cork |
| Law Firm of the Year, Proudly Sponsored by LEAP Munster: Sweeney McGann LLP (Overall Winner) Connacht/Ulster: Alastair Purdy LLP, Co. Galway Dublin: OSM Partners LLP, Co. Dublin Leinster: Clarke Jeffers LLP, Co. Carlow |
| The Global Excellence Award for the Leading International Law Firm in Ireland 2026: Addleshaw Goddard, Co. Dublin |
| Special Merit: Gareth Noble, Solicitor, KOD Lyons Solicitors, Co. Dublin |
| Lifetime Achievement, Proudly Sponsored by LEAP Gerard Griffin |
