Department profile
Matheson LLP

Tax: Lawyers

Europe Guide 2026 : Ireland


Matheson LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Matheson LLP

Our tax department is significantly the largest tax practice group amongst Irish law firms. In contrast to the tax departments of other Irish law firms, we operate primarily as a “front-end” service. Significantly more than half of our work is on transactions or advisory matters where our tax professionals have the sole or lead role. We also advise on the taxation aspects of transactions as part of a multi-disciplinary team with lawyers from other groups within the firm. We often act as special tax counsel in transactions where clients require specialised tax advice and are not comfortable using the tax department of their existing legal advisers. We do not provide tax compliance services.​

Our dedicated international tax group advises on cross-border transactions in conjunction with legal and tax counsel from other jurisdictions. We have committed considerable resources to building and maintaining good relationships with these lawyers.

We advise many leading domestic and international corporations and financial institutions doing business in and from Ireland. We focus on the timely delivery and implementation of integrated leading edge tax advice. Our philosophy is “can do” – if there is a solution we will find it.

We advise on:

  • General Corporate Tax
  • Transfer Pricing
  • Finance Tax
  • VAT and Indirect Tax
  • Real Estate Tax
  • Tax Controversy and Tax Litigation
  • Irish Tax Capability in the United States

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Tax: Lawyers - Ireland


What the Team is Known For

Matheson has an expansive and distinguished tax practice known for its international scope and tax structuring experience. The law firm often acts as lead tax counsel on complex cross-border M&A and restructuring transactions, including corporate migrations. The team is also experienced in the tax aspects of financing mandates, as well as advance pricing agreements. The law firm is extremely well versed in transfer pricing matters, including contentious issues. Matheson offers market-leading tax litigation expertise, including advising on challenges to stamp duty assessments.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Matheson assisted Royalty Pharma with the tax aspects of its acquisition of its external manager, RP Management.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Matheson is highly responsive and thorough in its research.

    Tax: Lawyers respondentEurope
  • What truly distinguishes this department is its pragmatic approach, combined with a high level of technical expertise.

    Tax: Lawyers respondentEurope
  • Matheson has excellent technical skills, practicality and commercial awareness.

    Tax: Lawyers respondentEurope
  • The team is very reliable and prompt in its responses.

    Tax: Lawyers respondentEurope
  • Its client service and dedication are unprecedented.

    Tax: Lawyers respondentEurope

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Shane Hogan
    Band 1Shane Hogan

    Shane Hogan

    Shane Hogan assists clients with cross-border APA applications and mutual agreement procedures. He is also well placed to handle tax audits, corporate reorganisation mandates and contentious tax appeals.

    • Shane is simply excellent in terms of his technical skills and commercial awareness. He is incredibly responsive and helpful.

      Tax: Lawyers respondentEurope
    • He is brilliant, highly responsive and has an exceptional ability to quickly grasp the client's needs and provide effective solutions.

      Tax: Lawyers respondentEurope
    • Shane has great business judgement and is practical.

      Tax: Lawyers respondentEurope
    • Shane is one of the best tax practitioners in the country and within Europe.

      Tax: Lawyers respondentEurope
  • Band 2Gerry Thornton
    Band 2Gerry Thornton

    Gerry Thornton

    Gerry Thornton advises clients from the financial services sector on the tax structuring of transactions, along with advising on the tax aspects of establishing new businesses.

    • Gerry is knowledgeable, courteous and an overall pleasure to work with. He is extremely knowledgeable of our company and our business, and he provides an invaluable service.

      Tax: Lawyers respondentEurope
    • Gerry Thornton is brilliant.

      Tax: Lawyers respondentEurope
  • Band 2Kevin Smith
    Band 2Kevin Smith

    Kevin Smith

    Kevin Smith often advises clients such as investment banks, financial institutions and aircraft leasing companies on the tax aspects of Irish financial services.

  • Band 3Aidan Fahy
    Band 3Aidan Fahy

    Aidan Fahy

    Aidan Fahy is well admired by the market and is able to provide advice on the tax aspects of M&A transactions.

    • Aidan delivers tax solutions in a very practical and commercial manner, and is excellent at zoning in on the risk areas.

      Tax: Lawyers respondentEurope
  • Band 3Catherine O'Meara
    Band 3Catherine O'Meara

    Catherine O'Meara

    Catherine O'Meara handles the tax aspects of APA applications and restructurings, as well as transfer pricing matters.

    • Catherine has excellent experience and commercial awareness.

      Tax: Lawyers respondentEurope
  • Band 3Mark O'Sullivan
    Band 3Mark O'Sullivan

    Mark O'Sullivan

    Mark O'Sullivan has extensive experience advising clients on transfer pricing matters and tax questions pertaining to post-merger integration of assets. He additionally represents clients in appeals to tax authorities.

  • Up and ComingPhilip Tully
    Up and ComingPhilip Tully

    Philip Tully

    Philip Tully advises corporate clients on the tax aspects of cross-border M&A transactions, as well as assisting with transfer pricing agreements and mutual agreement procedures.

    • Philip provides exceptional service and is extremely responsive.

      Tax: Lawyers respondentEurope
    • He has very strong technical skills, is very responsive and displays excellent commercial acumen.

      Tax: Lawyers respondentEurope

Ranked Individuals at Matheson LLP (7)

Ireland

Members

Provided by Matheson LLP

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