news 2 September 2022

McCann FitzGerald LLP announces three new Of Counsel appointments

Leading Irish law firm, McCann FitzGerald LLP, today announces the promotion of three of its Senior Associates to Of Counsel. Those promoted are Lesley Caplin who specialises in media defence and commercial litigation; Aidan Gleeson, a corporate banking specialist, with extensive experience in acting for lenders and borrowers across a broad range of domestic and international financings; and Martin O’Neill, a financial services regulatory law expert, who is a senior member of the firm’s Knowledge Team.

(Pictured L- R: Aidan Gleeson; Lesley Caplin; Stephen Holst, Managing Partner, McCann FitzGerald; and Martin O’Neill)

Of Counsel positions are awarded within the firm to Senior Associates who demonstrate exceptional technical expertise and have an outstanding track record of delivering for clients. The senior appointments reflect McCann FitzGerald’s continued growth ambitions and commitment to developing talent within the firm to tackle complex legal challenges for clients across all sectors.

Lesley Caplin

Lesley is responsible for managing McCann FitzGerald’s team of media defence specialists. She is an expert media defence practitioner advising clients in relation to online content and on a wide range of pre-publication issues including defamation and privacy. A skilled litigator, Lesley has been involved in some of Ireland’s most complex commercial disputes and civil jury actions. She excels in witness preparation, managing large discoveries, dealing with source protection and privilege issues, and has particular expertise in managing cross border media disputes, often involving issues relating to jurisdiction and forum.

Aidan Gleeson

Aidan advises a variety of financial institutions, private equity houses and corporate clients on a wide range of financing matters including syndicated lending, senior and mezzanine debt structures, project finance, property, development and acquisition financing. This includes advising on lending to funds including ICAVs and other forms of QIAIFs. Aidan acts for several non-bank lenders and has a lot of experience in this market. Aidan also has significant experience in debt led joint ventures and restructurings.

Martin O'Neill

Martin is a senior member of McCann FitzGerald’s Knowledge Team, specialising in finance and financial services regulatory law. Martin works in the firm’s banking and financial service group and advises on a broad range of banking and finance work, particularly in the areas of corporate lending and financial services regulation.  In addition to making significant contributions to a number of important client mandates, Martin is heavily involved in analysing and educating colleagues and clients on important legal developments. 

Commenting on the appointments, Stephen Holst, Managing Partner, McCann FitzGerald LLP, said; “Lesley, Aidan and Martin have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their clients, with each having unparalleled expertise in their respective fields. The success of our firm has always been our people, and I’m delighted to congratulate my colleagues on their promotions. Their progression is indicative of the drive and ambition that lies within McCann FitzGerald, and our continued commitment to meeting the diverse needs of our clients here in Ireland and around the world.”