New MHC ‘of counsel’ in health and prosecutions
Business-law firm Mason Hayes & Curran (MHC) has appointed three ‘of counsel’ in its health-and-prosecutions team.
It says that the appointments of Katie Bermingham-Thomas, Donnacha Hennessy, and Laura Warnock add further specialist expertise for clients dealing with sensitive statutory matters.
The ‘of counsel’ role is held by senior lawyers with a proven track record in their area of practice.
‘Highly complex’ matters
MHC managing partner Will Carmody described legal matters in child protection and healthcare as “highly complex”.
“Katie, Donnacha and Laura bring deep practical experience, grounded in years of court work and advocating for clients.
“They know how to navigate that complexity and give clear direction in circumstances of high sensitivity,” he stated.
Brian Horkan (partner and head of health and prosecutions) said that the firm’s clients often needed “quick, clear advice” that often led to urgent court applications.
Assisted decision-making
Katie Bermingham-Thomas specialises in capacity law, the area of law that determines how decisions are made for people who cannot make them for themselves. She advises HSE clinical teams and hospitals on such decisions, and has expertise in assisted decision-making.
Donnacha Hennessy advises on child protection and complex regulatory prosecutions, with a focus on case preparation before matters reach court. He regularly acts for Tusla in child-protection proceedings and for the HSE in Mental Health Act applications involving minors.
Laura Warnock advises on child protection and prosecutions, with particular experience in District Court proceedings where children’s welfare and parental rights must be carefully weighed.