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AOH specialises in and has an unparalleled reputation in healthcare, education and charities sectors.

Our merged firm, which will continue to operate under the existing brand and name of Mason Hayes+ Curran, provides AOH clients access to a broader range of services. The arrival of AOH personnel introduces new practice areas of education and charities to the merged firm and enhances our established medical law practice. In the following pages you will read more about AOH and the qualities and expertise its personnel brings to MH & C. Our new colleagues moved into South Bank House with us in early October. I am delighted to welcome them and pleased to report that the substantial benefits to clients from the merger are already apparent.

Ireland Inc

Perhaps because of the stellar growth in our economy over the last decade, its positive impact on the wealth of Irish people, and its ability to showcase Irish industry on the global stage, Ireland Inc has been slow to admit that the economy has slipped into recession. At the time of going to print, recession has become a fact of life for the Euro zone. The stock market remains on a constant downward trend with the radar firmly fixed on the financial shares. The recently announced Government Guarantee Scheme to certain credit institutions has not stemmed the flow and availability of finance is becoming an issue for all industry sectors. Lack of funding for business enterprise leads to lack of growth and this, combined with significant increases in employment statistics translates into a country in recession.

Many commentators had predicted a soft landing. Unfortunately, this prediction was overly optimistic and the speed of change and severe impact that had been felt by so many industry sectors has resulted in the firm refining our legal services to adapt to our clients adjusting needs. MH & C prides itself on being aligned with our clients needs and providing them with the legal services they require, in good times and in bad. We will continue to adhere to these core values and provide all possible support to our clients during these uncertain times.

Managing a practice during the hard times

The economic downturn also presents opportunities and as a firm, we are committed to being progressive. This is a characteristic that has served us well in the good times and we expect that the same attitude will allow us to prosper in these changed times. The merger with AOH is an example of one opportunity that has resulted in MH & C being able to offer an enhanced and broader legal service to our clients.

Currently, MH & C is advising a large variety of business leaders and assisting them in navigating their businesses through these challenging times. Sound legal advice is essential. Understanding our clients’ business and their particular challenges, being supportive and available to them on a 24/7 basis, is where we excel.

MH & C is quite diverse in terms of practice areas and through careful planning, recruitment and expansion in key areas we have always ensured that we are not over reliant on any one area. I am pleased to say that fee income in all departments remains strong. In tougher economic times, there is usually more demand for litigation and dispute resolution services and this trend is very evident. The Employment Law and Benefits Unit has seen an increase in contentious matters, the Corporate Department is advising clients on restructuring and MH & C is a market leader in the area of energy and projects. In this edition, you will see a focus on this area which introduces you to the key people and gives an overview of the work type.

In conclusion, these are indeed challenging times. However, I believe that we will rise to the challenge and by staying true to our core values, MH & C will emerge a stronger firm.

To read on please download the attached MHC Times Issue.