Irish wins at EMEA Women in Business Law awards
Matheson has been named Ireland Firm of the Year at the Women in Business Law Awards EMEA 2026.
This is the third consecutive year the firm has received recognition.
In addition, Jenny Keenan, senior associate in Matheson’s corporate group, was given the Rising Star – Corporate/M&A award.
Achievements
The awards celebrate leading law firms and practitioners recognising the achievements of women in the legal profession across Europe.
Commenting, managing partner Darren Maher, said: “This recognition is particularly meaningful as it reflects the importance we place on fostering an inclusive environment and supporting women to succeed at every stage of their careers.”
Jenny Keenan (small picture, with Sandie Lord and Joe Beashel) said it was a privilege to work alongside such talented colleagues.
Ann Faherty of William Fry was named Rising Star – Banking & Finance, recognising her outstanding achievements and leadership in complex banking and finance transactions across Ireland and internationally.
A senior associate, WF said that she had established herself as one of the most talented finance lawyers in the Irish market since qualifying in 2018.
Equity recapitalisation
Faherty advised on Ardagh Group's debt and equity recapitalisation as well as advising DNB Bank ASA on the €1.4 billion financing supporting Pandox's acquisition of Dalata Hotel Group.
She acted for the European Investment Bank on its financing of Touax Rail Limited to support the acquisition of approximately 900 railcars across Europe.
And ALG’s Sinéad O’Connor was named Lawyer of the Year for Structured Finance and Securitisation, while McCann FitzGerald took the firm prize for Gender Diversity Support – Western Europe.
The awards were presented at the Women in Business Law EMEA Awards ceremony at the Biltmore Mayfair in London (25 June).