RDJ are pleased to have been named a leader in 17 practice areas in the 2026 edition of The Legal 500 Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), released this week.
The Legal 500 series is widely acknowledged as one of the world's largest legal referral guides. More than 300,000 corporate counsel worldwide provide feedback each year as part of an independent research process.
RDJ ranked a leading firm in the following practice areas:
- Banking & Finance
- Commercial, Corporate and M&A
- Construction
- Data Privacy and Protection
- Dispute Resolution
- Employment
- EU and Competition
- Healthcare and Life Sciences
- Information Technology
- Intellectual Property
- Insolvency and Corporate Restructuring
- Insurance
- Media and Entertainment
- Planning and Environment
- Public Sector
- Real Estate
- Tax
View the full Legal 500 editorial here.
What our clients said:
Banking and Finance
'Full service offering and knowledge of the market.'
'Capability and competency of individuals.'
'Very experienced team that are highly professional. Commercial and very much solution-focused.'
'Attentive and knowledgeable with a focus on deal completion.'
'Great industry knowledge and extremely professional and diligent.'
'The RDJ team are exceptionally commercial and responsive to client needs and requests.'
'They apply a very commercial and pragmatic approach to resolving issues based on solid experience. Very responsive and focused on getting the deal done. A key strength is to foresee issues and proactively manage them.'
'Ashling Walsh and Aisling O'Donovan are commercial in their outlook and focused on completing the transaction in a timely manner.'
Commercial, Corporate and M&A
'Diarmaid Gavin has excellent knowledge and negotiation skills.'
'Specific stand-out partners we deal with are Marie Gavin and Conor Moran for their professionalism, depth of experience, ability to negotiate and get their point across when required and commitment to delivering a quality service on time.'
'The Teams strengths first and foremost is that you can have total confidence in the legal advice/guidance you are given. From my experience, the practice has strong individuals that cover the legalities, and separately they have resources that veer more to the practical/business end. The firm will listen to the client's wants and needs and, rather than lecture, will engage to get the best outcome. To me, it's all about people, and they have a strong depth of experience and match that experience to the requirement.'
'I have worked with Gillian Keating, Sean O'Reilly, Mark Barrett and Brendan Cunningham in the main and each one stands as exceptional in how they evaluate each issue, give their guidance from a legal perspective but importantly, engage with you in a business sense to keep the issue pragmatic and rather than reacting to issues, take a proactive stance together with a 'can do' attitude to deliver to your best interests.'
'RDJ LLP's commercial, corporate and M&A team consistently delivers exceptional legal and strategic support, combining deep technical expertise with a pragmatic, client-first approach. What sets this practice apart is its ability to navigate complex transactions with clarity, precision, and commercial insight, ensuring that clients feel supported and empowered throughout every stage of the process.'
'I have had the pleasure of working with Michael Quinlan and Ashling Walsh and can confidently say that their exceptional hard work, professionalism, and integrity set them apart.'
'The team go above and beyond for their clients. Always available and have continued to support our company following our investment.'
'What makes this practice unique is the depth of experience they offer, the support of their people and the rapid turnaround of information when required.'
Construction
'This construction law practice stands out for its deep industry knowledge and practical, solution-focused advice. In dealings Finola McCarthy and Georgina Wallace bring clarity and confidence to complex situations.'
'Working with Finola McCarthy and Georgina Wallace is a consistently positive experience. They are knowledgeable, responsive, and diligent always going the extra mile to ensure clients feel supported and informed which is essential when seeking legal advice and guidance.'
'Shane O'Connorquickly grasps the context of intricate legal issues and consistently provided clear, practical guidance. I have found Shane to be impressively responsive, and his ability to translate legal complex topics into layman's terms sets him apart from his competitors.'
'RDJ provide an excellent service with a total focus on the needs and requirements of our business.'
'The main advantage of dealing with the individuals in RDJ is not only their professionalism but more than that, it is the effort they make to understand our business.'
'They consistently demonstrate a high level of professionalism and adaptability, setting themselves apart from other firms through their proactive communication and knowledge, making them a trusted and forward-thinking partner for clients.'
'The team at RDJ really stand out because of their expertise, professionalism, and genuine commitment to helping clients succeed. They set themselves apart from other firms with their strategic thinking, quick responses, and ability to handle projects smoothly.'
'I've especially valued their integrity, responsiveness, and teamwork — for example, Shane O'Connor shows great leadership and innovation, while Georgina Wallace pays close attention to detail and is always proactive. Together, they make a strong, reliable team that consistently delivers great results.'
Data Privacy & Data Protection
'Ricky Kelly, who we work closely with, is personable, professional and instils confidence with his general manner and approach. His expertise is invaluable, and he continues to be an esteemed and reliable contributor to the business, in his capacity as external counsel. Ricky is always able to find time to assist and the advice and support are always tailored to exactly what we as a business need. We could not recommend him highly enough.'
'We worked with Ricky Kelly on a number of Data privacy and data protection issues. He was extremely knowledgeable and reliant, he listened to our needs as a client and completely supported us in what was a stressful process.'
'Ricky Kelly was exceptional.'
'What makes the people I work with at RDJ stand out is their responsiveness and practicality. The team comes back quickly and with advice that is clear, focused, and easy to act on. As Partner, Ricky Kelly has been excellent to work with. He is approachable and down-to-earth, but at the same time brings the reassurance of his own strong technical knowledge and partner-level involvement. That balance of accessibility and expertise sets him apart. Across the team, I've valued their partner, collaborative style and straightforward approach. They don't overcomplicate things, and compared with competitors, that makes them easy to deal with.'
'The RDJ Data privacy and data protection team is absolutely outstanding and consistently provides us with best-in-class, legally sound and commercially-minded advice, which we rely upon right across the business. The team is responsive, receptive and provides a level of clarity which is unmatched.'
Dispute Resolution
'In my experience, the team brings high intelligence, legal ability, and common sense to the client's case, focusing on the client's objectives and benefit rather than on 'lawyer points'.'
'I like the highly skilled, informed and professional of the team and the approach taken at all times. There is integrity and trust in all dealings.'
'We have an excellent experience using RDJ for contentious matters. They are really responsive and get into detail in the most complex of cases. You feel very confident using their services.'
Employment
'The team are professional, efficient, and attentive. Communication throughout the case was excellent, keeping all parties fully informed of any developments and decisions.'
'Jennifer Cashman and Leah Moriarty were very attentive and helpful throughout the entire process. They also looked after the clients too and guided them, and kept them fully involved in the case. It was a real team effort fronted by Jennifer and Leah.'
'The up-to-date practical guidance and explanations allow clients to fully understand the implications of matters arising. They are clear and concise in the delivery of their support and always open to questions.'
'I have dealt with Jennifer Cashman and Mark Barrett on numerous occasions, and they are always clear in their guidance and provide support when required.'
'Michelle Ryan - deep legal expertise, commercial acumen, personable, friendly, responsive and reliable. Adept at providing strategic and pragmatic advice in a timely manner.'
'Jennifer Cashman - excellent legal knowledge, responsive, collaborative approach and deep expertise of the industry.'
EU & Competition
'RDJ provide an excellent service, with a total focus on the needs and requirements of our business.'
'The main advantage of dealing with the individuals in RDJ is not only their professionalism, but also the effort they make to understand our business.'
'Shane O'Connor is an expert in his field. He provided a comprehensive description of the applicable law with a strategy that balanced the best commercial result.'
'As an SME, I would not be the biggest account that RDJ have; however, I find all staff to be incredibly approachable and helpful. As a team, they coordinate their internal competencies seamlessly, all while maintaining singular partner availability.'
Healthcare and Life Sciences
'The team has excellent knowledge and understanding of complex medical negligence issues. They are held in high esteem by colleagues and sought after by clients.'
'Fergal Dennehy and Peter Groarke have detailed in depth knowledge of areas of litigation which are difficult and diverse. Their efficiency and expertise is unrivalled.'
'This is a very strong team which provides a very professional service.'
'RDJ have a very strong and highly effective healthcare team.'
'Padraic Brennan, Imelda Tierney and Ruth Finnerty have high level individual skills and expertise, within a context of a team based ethos. Great attention to detail, relentless follow-up and fast and efficient response to queries.'
Information Technology
'Ricky Kelly, who we work closely with, is personable, professional and instils confidence with his general manner and approach. His expertise is invaluable and he continues to be an esteemed and reliable contributor to the business, in his capacity as external counsel.'
'Ricky Kelly is always able to find time to assist and the advice and support are always tailored to exactly what we as a business need. We could not recommend him highly enough.'
'The team's commercial focus, allied with a best-in-class legal expertise, means that we do not send our business anywhere else.'
'Supportive approach to ensuring we comprehensively responded to a ransomware attack.'
Insolvency and Corporate Restructuring
'RDJ's insolvency practice has a long standing reputation for excellence in the field, combining legal expertise and practical awareness.'
'Ashling Walsh brings superb technical ability and readiness to engage with other team members and opponents in pursuit of her client's objectives.'
'The team is excellent. Everyone is very experienced and well trained. Best in class. Particularly good at getting correspondence and court papers organised and delivered.'
'Michael Quinlan is uniquely focused on achieving results for his clients. Michael is very reasonable and pragmatic and very good at communications with clients, counsel, and the opposing legal teams. He is hugely respected and effective.'
'Excellent practice and readily available in particular where there are urgent issues to be dealt with.'
'The firm has a strong presence in the Irish SME space particularly in regional areas in the West and South-West.'
Insurance
'The main advantage of dealing with the individuals in RDJ is not only their professionalism but more than that, it is the effort they make to understand our business.'
'Brendan O'Connell is hugely experienced, knowledgeable, with excellent advice and tactics. Has a tremendous ability to make the most complex cases seem manageable. Cannot recommend highly enough.'
'RDJ has a unique local presence and knowledge.'
'The legal arguments are always thorough, strategic and well-tailored to each case. They consistently deliver strong results with their ability to reach favourable settlements early, or succeed in court when needed, and that in my view is what sets them apart from other firms.'
'The RDJ team has earned our trust through their consistent performance, reliability, professionalism and expertise. In my experience, they deliver the complete package; exceptional legal expertise, a deep understanding of the insurance sector.'
'From top to bottom the individuals we work with at RDJ are knowledgeable, pragmatic, and great at leading cases. Deep expertise, knowledge, experience and professionalism, approachability, and willingness to provide the best service possible.'
Media and Entertainment
'Led by a very strong and competent partner who promotes his more junior members and gives them agency in running litigation. Importantly, those junior members are very well briefed themselves, but are also sufficiently self-aware that they know when to involve the partner.'
'Darryl Broderick is on top of the law, does a lot of the early and necessary heavy lifting. He is very good in terms of managing his clients.'
'Paperwork is always immaculate and appropriate resources are applied to any particular piece of litigation, both in terms of lawyers and support staff.'
Planning & Environment
'The breath of expertise and professional and efficient service was second to none. The team listened carefully and took the time to understand the project, giving clear advice and guidance. The team made the process feel like a collaboration.'
'The individuals we dealt with were responsive, and available. They were honest and managed expectations effectively.'
Real Estate
'The Real Estate team that we deal with in RDJ are extremely focused on delivering the completion of transactions which are fundamentally key to our business.'
'The individuals within the RDJ Team, including Evin McCarthy, David Phelan, Jennifer Drury-Byrne, offer a 1st class service which is solution orientated and ultimately driven by what are our core objectives.'
'The main advantage of dealing with the individuals in RDJ is not only their professionalism but more than that, it is the effort they make to understand our business.'
'Evin McCarthy and the team handles the day-to-day aspects of transactions with minimal input required from our side. Their ability to deal with small issues on our behalf contributes to a streamlined process and keeps momentum moving forward. When it comes to closing transactions, the team ensure that all necessary preparations are completed in advance.'
'Evin McCarthy &Aoife Brannigan are a great team. They are always keen to help us with all aspects of our projects.'
'I have closed straightforward and complex transactions with RDJ, which included complex and drawn out receiverships. Their skill sets across all aspects of a real estate transaction gives us great comfort that any issues which arise can be managed professionally.'
Tax
'RDJ Tax is excellent - always first seeks to fully understanding the client's issues. It gives actionable advice in well written reports. It is excellent at communicating both in writing and in person.'
'Eoin Tobin has the ability to analyse a complex tax problem, tease it out and think clearly, look at the facts and assess the situation and can come up with a workable solution.'
'Mark Ludlowand Mark Barrett are extremely knowledgeable, great communicators and give solid advice that we can act on. We have full trust in their knowledge & advice - they are exceptionally good.'
'Eoin Tobin is always professional and very friendly in his approach. He works collaboratively with me to achieve the best outcome.'
'RDJ are smart, competent and reliable.'