Michael Byrne is "a consummate litigator".
Chambers Global
Expertise
Michael Byrne is a partner in the Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department. He has extensive experience of dealing with commercial disputes including, in particular, in the areas of Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT) and Public Law.
In the area of technology litigation, Michael acts for a range of international companies within the TMT sector. This includes contractual disputes and terminations, as well as advising Internet Service Providers (ISPs) on requests for take-downs of online material on the basis of alleged defamation, breach of privacy or other alleged breaches. He also frequently advises on contentious data-related court applications, including Norwich Pharmacal orders, and on the enforcement of foreign court orders requiring the disclosure of data. In addition, Michael advises companies within the TMT sector in connection with their dealings with regulators and assists them in statutory appeals, as well as defending against regulatory actions and enforcements. He is recommended by the European Legal 500 in the areas of both Dispute Resolution and Media and Entertainment.
In the area of Public Law, Michael acts for State and semi-state bodies in connection with regulatory and administrative law disputes. This includes advising State and semi-state bodies on compliance with their own governing statues, regulations, bye-laws and industry codes, together with dealing with enforcement actions. He regularly advises in relation to judicial review proceedings and “case stated” applications to the High Court for the purposes of clarifying the application of relevant laws. He is listed by the European Legal 500 as a “Leading Individual” for Ireland in the area of Public Law.
Separately, Michael has a wider consumer law and products advisory practice, covering the advertising and labelling of products as well as product recalls and product liability litigation.
Michael is a leading member of the firm’s Germany Group, which focusses on clients based in Germany and the wider DACH region. He is an active member of the German-Irish Chamber of Commerce and the European Chamber of Ireland.
Michael serves as Honorary Treasurer of the Commercial Litigation Association of Ireland (CLAI).
- Advises a major multinational technology company in relation to contractual and licensing disputes with business partners throughout the EMEA region.
- Advises a major multinational technology company in relation to dealing with “Norwich Pharmacal” orders and take-down requests received.
- Advises an international social media company in relation to claims relating to alleged defamatory content.
- Advises an international telecommunications company in relation to regulatory and contractual disputes.
- Advises a State regulatory body in relation to all aspects of its operations.
- Advises a national professional regulatory body in relation to disciplinary procedures and hearings.
- Advising a State body with respect to compliance with fair procedures in its administrative processes
- Representing a State body in connection with the judicial review of its procedures.
- Represented an international pharmaceutical company in connection with the successful defence of product liability claims relating to benzodiazepenes.
- Represented an international telecommunications company in the successful defence of a multi-million euro breach of contract claim.
"Michael Byrne takes a practical approach. I like his type of communication, which is to the point and concise – not too much unnecessary legal jargon."
Media and Entertainment: The European Legal 500 2024
Michael Byrne is named a leading individual.
Public Sector: The European Legal 500 2023
"Michael Byrne is always ready to talk and always checking on things. He has a good client management approach."
Dispute Resolution: Chambers Global and Europe 2023
Michael Byrne “stands out for his handling of defamation and data privacy mandates.”
Dispute Resolution: Chambers Global and Europe 2022
Named as a Notable practitioner
Dispute Resolution: Chambers Global and Europe 2022
Michael Byrne is named a leading individual.
Public Sector: The European Legal 500 2022
Michael Byrne is "strong".
Public Sector: The European Legal 500 2021
Michael Byrne is recommended.
Public Sector: The European Legal 500 2020
Michael Byrne is named a leading individual.
Public Sector: The European Legal 500 2020
Michael Byrne is named Benchmark Litigation Star
Benchmark Litigation 2020
Michael Byrne is "calm, measured and reassuring".
Dispute Resolution: Chambers Global and Europe 2020
Named a Litigation Future Leader.
Who’s Who Legal 2019
Michael Byrne is recommended.
The European Legal 500 2019
Qualified as a solicitor of Supreme Court of England and Wales (non-practising)
Qualified as a solicitor in Ireland
University of Regensburg, Germany (LLM)
Trinity College Dublin (Bachelor in Law and German)