BOUTIQUE

LAW FIRM

Specialising in:

Commercial Disputes / Litigation
Commercial Lending / Banking
Aviation Law
Escrow Services
Environmental & Planning Law
Company Restorations
Corporate Structuring
Pension Advisory
Notary Public
Visa Advisory Services
Insolvency & Tax
Conveyancing

Practice

Areas

CORPORATE STRUCTURING

We advise Irish SMEs, founders, and investors on practical, tax-efficient corporate structures tailored to their commercial objectives. Whether forming a new entity, onboarding equity participants, or preparing for investment, our focus is on legal clarity, operational simplicity, and reducing the risk of future disputes.

Our shareholder agreements clearly set out decision-making rights, reserved matters, exit strategies, funding obligations, and dispute mechanisms—helping clients avoid costly litigation down the line. We regularly work alongside accountants and tax advisors to align governance structures with broader financial planning and succession goals.

We also assist with group reorganisations, cross-border structuring, founder exits, and share buybacks. All advice is partner-led and commercially grounded.

practice_areas

AVIATION LAW

We act for lessors, financiers, and MROs across the full spectrum of aviation disputes and transactions. Our team advises on lease enforcement, repossession proceedings, engine and airframe maintenance disputes, and insurance recovery claims—both in Ireland and across key jurisdictions.

On the transactional side, we assist with aircraft and engine sale-and-leaseback arrangements, novations, security interests, Cape Town filings, and Irish Orphan SPV structures. We combine deep industry understanding with commercial precision, offering responsive and strategic advice throughout the lifecycle of an aircraft asset.

Our experience spans high-value commercial disputes in the Commercial Court as well as cross-border enforcement and EU-level regulatory issues. As a small, focused firm, we deliver partner-led service with the agility to meet tight transaction deadlines and respond to evolving risks in a dynamic market.

ESCROW SERVICES

We provide secure, reliable escrow services tailored to commercial transactions. Acting as an independent third party, we hold funds, documents, or digital assets in trust, releasing them only when pre-agreed conditions are met. This service is frequently used in M&A transactions, software licensing, intellectual property deals, and other high-value or cross-border arrangements where counterparty risk is a concern.

Our team ensures full compliance with Irish law and regulatory standards, and we offer a flexible, responsive service for clients who require certainty, neutrality, and discretion. We regularly act for companies, founders, investors, and institutions, and are experienced in drafting bespoke escrow agreements to reflect the practical realities of each deal.

Whether part of a broader transaction or a stand-alone arrangement, we provide clear, commercially-minded advice and fast execution. All escrow accounts are operated in accordance with Law Society guidelines and held in segregated client accounts.

PENSION AND REGULATORY

We advise trustees, scheme sponsors, professional advisors and beneficiaries on complex pension disputes and financial regulatory enforcement matters. Our experience includes High Court litigation involving mismanagement, breach of fiduciary duty, and professional negligence, as well as regulatory investigations and sanctions by the Central Bank of Ireland.

We act in claims concerning defined benefit and defined contribution schemes, including disputes over funding obligations, scheme amendments, and member entitlements. On the regulatory front, we assist firms and individuals in responding to investigations under the Administrative Sanctions Procedure (ASP), including representation before the Inquiry Panel.

Our team combines commercial litigation expertise with a deep understanding of the pensions and financial regulatory framework. With a practical, outcome-focused approach, we aim to protect our clients’ interests and reputations in technically complex and high-stakes matters.

COMMERCIAL ADVISORY / LITIGATION

We are a commercially focused Dublin law firm with deep expertise in resolving business disputes efficiently and strategically. Our litigation practice advises company directors, shareholders, professional service firms, and high-net-worth individuals across a wide range of contentious matters. These include contract breaches, shareholder disputes, professional negligence claims, enforcement of security, and injunction applications. We are known for our technical strength, commercial judgement, and tenacity in representing our clients’ interests in the High Court and Commercial Court.

With a strong bench of former barristers and access to top-tier counsel, we combine practical insight with legal precision. We aim to resolve disputes with minimal disruption, whether through litigation, negotiation, or alternative dispute resolution. We act decisively and keep you closely advised at every stage. If your business is facing a dispute, we will help you assess your options and protect your position from the outset.

STRUCTURED FINANCE

We provide clear, commercial legal advice to lenders, and borrowers involved in complex structured finance transactions. Our focus is on delivering practical solutions that reflect market realities and protect long-term value.

With particular expertise in mezzanine finance, we advise on inter-creditor arrangements, security structures, subordination mechanics, and enforcement strategies. We work closely with corporate and tax advisors to ensure structures are efficient, enforceable, and aligned with our clients’ commercial objectives.

Whether advising funds entering the Irish market or domestic lenders managing high-value exposures, we bring the technical strength and deal fluency typically found in larger firms, with the responsiveness and partner attention of a boutique practice.

We are regularly engaged to support private equity-backed transactions, development finance, and cross-border investment structures. Our firm offers discreet, partner-led support throughout the life of a deal—from initial structuring to exit.

PROBATE AND ESTATES

We provide efficient, discreet support on all aspects of probate and estate administration. Acting for executors, beneficiaries and high-net-worth families, we ensure that estates are administered promptly, tax efficiently and in full compliance with Irish legal requirements.

Our team handles both contentious and non-contentious matters, including grants of probate, intestacy, cross-border estates, and post-death restructuring. Where appropriate, we work closely with accountants and financial advisers to deliver clear, commercially sound outcomes. For business owners, we advise on succession planning and the orderly transfer of assets, including shares in private companies. We also assist with enduring powers of attorney, trusts, and inheritance tax issues.

Our approach is pragmatic, professional and tailored to the needs of each client—whether you're managing a complex estate or seeking to plan ahead.

NOTARY PUBLIC

We provide efficient, discreet Notary Public services to individuals, companies, and professionals requiring documents to be notarised for use abroad. Our service includes certifying identities, witnessing signatures, verifying company documents, and notarising affidavits, powers of attorney, declarations, and other instruments for international use.

As a commercially focused practice, we understand the importance of timely, precise execution — particularly for corporate transactions, cross-border matters, and regulatory compliance. Whether you require notarisation for business, legal, or personal reasons, we offer flexible appointments and a responsive turnaround.

We are also experienced in arranging legalisation (apostille or embassy authentication) where required, ensuring that documents meet the legal requirements of the receiving jurisdiction.

Appointments are available at our office just off Fitzwilliam Square or at your premises by arrangement.

COMMERCIAL CONVEYANCING

We act for investors, developers, and business owners across all aspects of commercial property transactions. Our service is partner-led, commercially minded, and tailored to deliver practical solutions and efficient execution.

Whether acquiring an investment property, selling a development asset, or leasing premises, we provide clear, responsive advice at every stage.

We advise on the purchase and sale of offices, retail units, industrial premises, mixed-use developments, and licensed properties. We also handle title due diligence, lease reviews, lending and refinancing transactions, and portfolio management.

Our team understands the commercial drivers behind property transactions and works closely with agents, lenders, and tax advisors to ensure seamless completion. We are regularly retained on time-sensitive acquisitions and act for both domestic and international clients investing in Ireland.

We aim to deliver a level of service typically associated with larger firms, while remaining agile, accessible, and focused on results.

INSOLVENCY & TAX

We advise company directors, shareholders, and high-net-worth individuals on all aspects of tax disputes and Revenue interventions. Our team has particular experience in negotiating settlements with Revenue, managing audits, and challenging assessments where necessary. We understand the commercial pressures that tax disputes can bring and focus on delivering practical, protective solutions. Whether the issue arises from income tax, VAT, corporation tax or payroll compliance, we guide clients through every stage of the process—from initial engagement with Revenue to appeal before the Tax Appeals Commission or higher courts if required.

Where appropriate, we engage leading tax counsel and forensic accountants to ensure the best possible outcome. Our approach is grounded in early risk assessment, strategic positioning, and robust representation. We aim to resolve disputes efficiently while minimising disruption to our clients’ businesses and reputations.

RESIDENCIAL CONVEYANCING

We act for buyers and sellers in all types of residential property transactions, from first-time purchases to high-value sales and investment acquisitions. Our service is responsive, clear and commercially minded — we don’t just process paperwork, we guide you through each step with a focus on timing, risks and practical outcomes.

Whether you're acquiring a home, refinancing, or managing a portfolio, we ensure thorough title review, contract negotiation and completion — with an emphasis on protecting your interests and pre-empting problems. We’re used to working with tight deadlines, property chains and lender requirements.

Our clients include professionals, investors and private clients with complex funding or ownership structures. We also advise on co-ownership, declarations of trust and title rectification.

We deliver a level of service and legal rigour often associated with larger firms — while maintaining the responsiveness and direct access that only a focused practice can provide.

contact

LAWYERS

Solicitors

Robert Emmet Bourke

PRINCIPAL

Robert completed his undergraduate degree in Law before going on to complete postgraduate studies in both Commercial Law and Applied Finance Law. Robert then studied at the Honourable Society of Kings Inns before being called to the Bar of Ireland.

Prior to opening the firm, Robert was a barrister for over seven years at the Law Library, Dublin. Robert was also called to the Bar of Northern Ireland, and the Bar of England and Wales through the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple.

Roberts experience:

Aviation Law:

Escrow Services:

Pension Law: Representing pension advisors in relation to cross-border transfers, recently finished an industry changing case permitting private pension transfers throughout Europe - O'Sullivan -v- Canada Life Assurance (Ireland) Limited [2014] IEHC 217;

Representing the Defendant in a cross border enforcement matter, the High Court ruled in favour of the Defendant on the basis that the foreign judgment was manifestly contrary to Public Policy in Ireland in the case of Sports Index Limited v O'Shea High Court (unreported, Mac Eochaidh J., 15 June 2015);

Corporate and personal insolvency, petitioning the High Court to liquidate companies and appointing receivers over existing assets;

Acting on behalf of liquidators/ODCE seeking various reliefs against directors of corporate entities, including orders for reckless trading;

Representing and advising the main Irish Retail Banks on regulatory and legislative matters. Enforcing judgments outside of the jurisdiction relating to multi-million euro disputes and opinions pertaining to internal procedures of the banks;

Representing insurance companies in contentious matters that proceed to full trial, dealing with a variety of claims including Personal Injuries, material damage, road traffic accidents and property related matters, cases involve dealing with a variety of professionals to testify on behalf of insurance companies;

Representing investment vehicles in pursuing contributions from investors, involving complex investment prospectuses;

Personal Injures and Insurance litigation;

Appointed to the Panel of Counsel for the Office of Director of Corporate Enforcement;

Appointed to the Panel of Counsel for the Revenue Commissioners;

Appointed to the Panel of Counsel for the Office of the Attorney General..

Qualifications:

- Degree in Irish Law LLB (2005)

- Post Dip in Commercial law (2006)

- Post Dip in Applied Finance Law (2007)

- Barrister at Law - Kings Inns, Dublin (2008)

- Called to the bar, Middle Temple, London (2013)

- Called to the bar, Bar of Northern Ireland (2012)

- Enrolled as a Solicitor, Law Society of Ireland (2016)

- Notary Public (appointed in 2018)

Email: rbourke@reb.ie

Ciara Byrne

HEAD OF CONVEYANCING

Adam is a skilled litigation lawyer with a background as a practising barrister, now advising within the firm’s Litigation and Regulatory team. He has appeared as advocate before all tiers of the Irish courts, including the High Court on a regular basis, and brings a pragmatic, advocacy-informed approach to contentious matters.

His practice encompasses a broad spectrum of commercial and chancery litigation, with particular experience in contractual disputes, equitable remedies, construction claims, professional negligence, and shareholder actions. He is also regularly instructed in judicial review proceedings, administrative law challenges, and regulatory enforcement matters.

Adam advises clients across the full litigation lifecycle — from risk assessment and pre-action correspondence through to interlocutory applications, trial, and enforcement. He is known for delivering precise, commercially grounded advice, and for managing complex disputes with strategic discipline and procedural rigour.

He contributes significantly to the firm’s regulatory litigation offering, acting in proceedings involving statutory regulators, disciplinary bodies, and public law decision-makers. His dual background equips him to handle sophisticated legal issues with clarity, efficiency, and forensic attention to detail.

Email: adam@reb.ie

Rónán Ó Dubhghaill
SOLICITOR

Rónán is a solicitor specialising in Commercial Litigation, Planning & Environmental Law, and Public & Regulatory Law. He has substantial experience managing complex, high-stakes litigation across various courts and alternative dispute resolution forums, including mediation and arbitration. Rónán’s approach is strategic, pragmatic, and client-focused, consistently providing clear and actionable legal advice tailored to each client’s needs.

His practice includes advising on contract disputes, shareholder disputes, judicial reviews, planning compliance matters, compulsory purchase orders and planning & environment litigation. Rónán has a proven ability to handle large-scale, multi-party litigation and has successfully represented clients in significant cases involving breaches of contract, regulatory compliance issues, and constitutional rights.

Currently pursuing an LLM in Advanced Legal Practice, with a focus on Tech Law and Web3 regulation, Rónán is particularly equipped to address legal issues at the intersection of emerging technologies and commercial disputes.

Rónán’s strengths lie in his robust research, analytical capabilities, and effective communication, enabling him to lead interdisciplinary teams effectively to achieve positive outcomes for his clients.

Email: ronan@reb.ie

Solicitors

Robert Emmet Bourke

PRINCIPAL

Robert is a former dual-qualified barrister and now a solicitor with a specialist background in commercial litigation, regulatory enforcement, and cross-border disputes. He holds an undergraduate degree in Law (LLB), with postgraduate qualifications in both Commercial Law and Applied Finance Law. He trained at the Honourable Society of King’s Inns and was called to the Bar of Ireland in 2008. He is also called to the Bar of Northern Ireland and to the Bar of England and Wales (Middle Temple). He later requalified as a solicitor and was appointed a Notary Public in 2018.

Robert spent over seven years practising as a barrister at the Law Library in Dublin before founding the firm. He has acted in a broad range of high-value and high-complexity matters before the Superior Courts, including extensive experience before the Commercial High Court.

His practice is particularly focused on commercial litigation involving pensions, financial services, tax enforcement, and regulatory matters. He frequently advises directors, regulated entities, and professional service firms in both contentious and advisory contexts.

Practice Areas and Representative Experience

Commercial Litigation
Robert has acted in numerous multi-million euro commercial disputes before the Commercial High Court, including shareholder disputes, breach of contract claims, debt enforcement, and professional negligence. His experience includes urgent interlocutory relief, discovery battles involving privilege and regulatory oversight, and cross-border enforcement under Brussels Recast and Lugano instrument.
Pension Law
Robert was lead counsel in the landmark case O'Sullivan v. Canada Life Assurance (Ireland) Ltd [2014] IEHC 217, a pivotal decision in Irish pensions law confirming the legality of cross-border pension transfers within the EEA under the IORP Directive. He continues to advise pension trustees, administrators, and regulated advisers on complex pension transfer and regulatory compliance matters, including Central Bank queries.
Regulatory Litigation and Public Law
He has been instructed in regulatory proceedings involving the Central Bank of Ireland, ODCE/Corporate Enforcement Authority, and the Pensions Authority. His work includes judicial review of regulatory sanctions and defending directors and professional advisers in statutory investigations and enforcement actions. He has advised on AML and fitness & probity implications for financial institutions.
Tax Litigation and Enforcement
Robert regularly advises clients in disputes with the Revenue Commissioners and has appeared in tax-related matters before both the High Court and Tax Appeals Commission. He is a member of the Panel of Counsel for the Revenue Commissioners and has acted in enforcement proceedings, Revenue intervention challenges, and statutory appeals involving VAT, CGT, CAT, and international tax reporting.
Insolvency and Director Liability
Acting in both creditor- and debtor-led insolvency proceedings, including High Court petitions to appoint liquidators, receivers and examiners. He also advises and acts for liquidators and the Corporate Enforcement Authority in claims for director disqualification, restriction, and reckless or fraudulent trading.
Aviation Law
Advising lessors and financiers on enforcement of security over aviation assets, including distressed asset disposal and litigation over defaulting lessees. He has acted in both Irish and international disputes relating to aviation finance structures.
Escrow and Paymaster Services
Structuring and managing multi-currency escrow arrangements, with client accounts in over 40 currencies. Frequently engaged to mitigate FX risk and ensure compliant disbursement of funds in multi-jurisdictional transactions.
Banking and Financial Services Litigation
Representing Irish retail banks in secured and unsecured recovery proceedings, regulatory compliance matters, and interbank disputes. Experience includes complex enforcement and opinion work regarding the internal governance and lending procedures of financial institutions.
Insurance Defence and Personal Injuries
Representing major insurers in High Court litigation concerning personal injury, material damage, and professional indemnity claims. Regularly works with forensic and medical experts in defence of liability and quantum.
Public Appointments
Robert has been appointed to the Panel of Counsel for:
– The Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement
– The Revenue Commissioners
– The Office of the Attorney General