Q9000 - Key Persons
Born and raised in Clonakilty, Clíodhna O'Regan is an Associate Solicitor specialising in conveyancing, with a particular interest in commercial conveyancing. She also specialises in family law. She has been an integral part of McCarthy + Co. for six years since she returned West in January 2017, after gaining experience as a conveyancing and probate solicitor in Cork city.
Clíodhna's educational background includes studying law and European studies at the University of Limerick, even completing a semester in Madrid where she navigated the complexities of law in Spanish. In 2018, she further honed her skills by completing a diploma in commercial property law, providing her with the expertise and practical knowledge required in this increasingly specialised area.
What excites Clíodhna most about her role is the joy and satisfaction she derives from handing over property keys to clients, especially first-time buyers. Witnessing their excitement first-hand is a rewarding experience for her.
Job Titles:
- Head
- Managing Partner
- Partner
Flor McCarthy wears multiple hats, not only as the managing partner of one of Ireland's leading law firms, but also as an author, speaker and an acknowledged expert in client service, innovation and marketing.
Beginning his academic journey at UCC, Flor furthered his education with a master's degree in law from UCD. After gaining valuable experience as a solicitor in Dublin, the allure of home and the family brought him back to West Cork to contribute his expertise to the family business.
Flor has been the head of the firm now for over two decades and is the driving force behind our team's growth. Forever exploring ways to enhance our services for our valued clients, his innovative and client-focused approach was recognised in 2018 when he was awarded Munster Solicitor of the Year at the Irish Law Awards.
Flor's credentials extend beyond the typical scope of a solicitor. He is a Certified Information Privacy Professional and has been elected numerous times to the Council of the Law Society of Ireland, the governing body for Irish solicitors. In addition to his qualifications in Ireland, Flor is admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales and serves as a notary public for the County of Cork.
Along with the above achievements, Flor is also a published author in his field and regularly contributes articles to various publications, as his insights and opinions are often sought after for press interviews and appearances on radio and television.
Ever a lifelong learner, Flor made the decision to return to Irish in a bid to reconnect with his roots. In 2020, Flor resat his Irish Leaving Certificate exam, 30 years on. Since then, he has gone on to complete the Higher Diploma in Modern Irish at UCC and is showing no signs of stopping any time soon. This pursuit of continual personal and professional growth is testament to his insatiable curiosity and dedication to improvement, which benefits our clients and our team alike.
When he is not immersed in the day-to-day management of a busy law firm or learning something new, Flor enjoys spending time with his wife Mags, and their five children. He finds pleasure in gardening, cooking, and dining with good company and fine wine. A voracious reader, Flor will more often be found with a book in hand or an audio version in his ears.
His multifaceted expertise and enthusiasm for both his work and learning make Flor the backbone of our firm, an excellent leader, and a dedicated advocate for our amazing clients.
John, a seasoned solicitor with almost 20 years of experience, specialises in personal injury and medical negligence claims, focusing particularly on high-value compensation cases. His extensive litigation experience spans Circuit Court, High Court and Supreme Court levels.
John's practice involves a diverse range of cases, from personal injury and wrongful death to property damage, defective products, professional negligence and judicial reviews. He has represented numerous victims of the DePuy ASR hip replacement recall and over a hundred women affected by the PIP breast implant scandal, showcasing his commitment to seeking justice for his clients.
A qualified solicitor since 2003, John also holds a master's degree in physics and a diploma in civil litigation - a specialist qualification awarded by the Law Society of Ireland in personal injury and medical negligence litigation. He is a member of the UK-based Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) and Action Against Medical Accidents (AvMA), a leading patient advocacy group. In addition to his recognition in Ireland, John is also admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales.
John is the author of Make Your Claim: A Consumer's Guide to the Injuries Board and A Patient's Guide to Bringing a Claim for Medical Negligence, underlining his dedication to sharing his knowledge with the public. He is an active writer and blogger, with published articles in the Irish Law Society Gazette, the Business Post, the Irish Farmers' Journal, Shelf Life, and The Southern Star.
His expertise and insightful analysis have made him a sought-after contributor in the media. He has been interviewed by The Irish Times, the Sunday Independent, and has contributed to the Irish Examiner. His television appearances include RTE's Prime Time and TV3, and he has been featured on radio shows such as RTE's Liveline with Joe Duffy, while also appearing on Today FM with Anton Savage, C103 with Patricia Messenger and Cork's 96FM with Neil Prendeville.
When he's not navigating the complex world of law, you might find John tending to his beekeeping duties as an avid beekeeper, or generally enjoying the beauty of the outdoors.
John McCarthy is a seasoned solicitor with almost 20 years of experience, specialises in personal injury and medical negligence claims, focusing particularly on high-value compensation cases. His extensive litigation experience spans Circuit Court, High Court and Supreme Court levels.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Solicitor
- Member of Our Team
Joseph has been an integral member of our team since 2013, bringing a unique blend of expertise and dedication to his role. His specialisation lies in private client work, with a focus on conveyancing and probate.
In simpler terms, Joseph's role involves assisting homeowners and prospective homeowners in their property buying or selling journeys. He also offers support in managing the affairs of deceased individuals, guiding next of kin and executors through every stage of the process from the moment of a person's death. Additionally, Joseph provides assistance in will drafting, ensuring his clients have peace of mind for the future. Joseph also regularly assists clients in creating Enduring Powers of Attorney and advises clients and their families on how to manage circumstances where a person's mental capacities may be impaired.
Joseph's approach to legal practice is problem-solving oriented. If a client's issue falls outside his area of specialism, he ensures they are connected with the right expert. This dedication to his clients' needs makes him a trusted advisor and keeps him thoroughly engaged in his work.
Before turning to law, Joseph obtained a degree in applied psychology and gained valuable experience working in various roles in that field in the US.
Upon his return to Ireland, Joseph commenced his traineeship with the long-standing West Cork firm, Wolfe & Co. in Skibbereen in 2009. His exceptional performance continued during his training course at the Law Society of Ireland, where he and his teammate, Liam Crowley, clinched victory in the Irish Client Counselling Competition. They later represented Ireland in the International Client Counselling Competition in Hong Kong in 2010, reaching the semi-finals.
Joseph finds great fulfilment in his role at McCarthy + Co., particularly in helping clients navigate important life matters. His diverse background, commitment and client-focused approach are what make Joseph a valuable asset to our team. His journey from psychology to law has only enriched his perspective, enabling him to provide exceptional legal services to our clients.
Liam, with his expertise in litigation and court work, primarily supports John in handling personal injury and medical negligence claims. His passion for criminal law stems from his initial years in a bustling Dublin city centre criminal law practice, where he gained ample experience appearing before the District and Circuit Courts in the Criminal Courts of Justice and Clover Hill, in Blanchardstown and Tallaght District Courts and in High Court bail and judicial review matters.
Liam holds a bachelor's degree in public administration from the University of Limerick. Before embarking on his legal career, he worked in the food processing sector, demonstrating his versatility and adaptability. While attending the Law Society of Ireland solicitors' training course, Liam, along with his teammate Joseph McCarthy, won the Irish Client Counselling Competition. They subsequently represented Ireland at the International Client Counselling Competition held in Hong Kong in 2010, reaching the semi-finals - a testament to Liam's prowess in client communication and understanding.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Liam is a passionate sportsman. He participates in hurling, Gaelic football, basketball and rugby, often humorously referring to himself as "the one found at the bottom of the ruck"! He also enjoys participating in amateur dramatics, reflecting his flair for the creative and performing arts. Coming from a farming background, he stays connected to his roots through his favourite hobby - breeding poultry.