Barrister Profile

Main Areas of Practice

Commercial Law
Company Law
Insolvency

Biography

Keith is a graduate of The National University of Ireland, Galway where he graduated with a BA (Law and Politics) and LL.B (First Class Honours) whilst also maintaining a sports (rugby) scholarship (having also played rugby for Connacht) for the four-year duration of his studies.

Keith is also a First Class Honours Master of Laws (LL.M) graduate of Trinity College Dublin, having been awarded a First Class Honour in recognition of his thesis entitled “Bankruptcy in Ireland – The Personal Insolvency Act 2012 and the role of Alternative Dispute Resolution”.

Keith is a graduate of The Honourable Society of King’s Inns and a practicing Barrister. He has a general civil practice, specialising in personal insolvency law and bankruptcy.

Co-author of the “Consolidated Bankruptcy and Personal Insolvency Legislation”, published by Thomson Reuters Round Hall.

Keith lectured in the Law Society of Ireland, the National College of Ireland, City Colleges and Griffith College on their Personal Insolvency (PIP) and Bankruptcy Law courses.

Keith briefed the Troika (European Commission, International Monetary Fund, and European Central Bank) on Irish insolvency law and mortgage arrears during their review following Ireland’s exit from the bailout.

Keith briefed the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform of Dáil Éireann (Irish Government) prior to their hearings on “Matters Relating to Mortgage Arrears Resolution Processes”.

Keith has to date advised a number of European Governments on their insolvency and bankruptcy law reforms.

Qualifications

B.A (Law and Politics), LL.B. (First Class Honours), LL.M. (First Class Honours), Barrister-at-Law

Experience

Practicing Barrister working from the Law Library in the Four Courts Dublin. A general civil/commercial practice including personal injuries, employment law, and professional negligence. Keith specialises in personal insolvency and bankruptcy law.

Notable Personal Insolvency & Bankruptcy cases;

-First section 115A appeal under the Personal Insolvency Acts 2012-2015.

- First annulment of a debtor petition in bankruptcy.

- €70,000,000 debtor bankruptcy adjudication debt in 2015.

- First High Court appeal of a Circuit Court insolvency decision.

- First challenge to the PIA veto under s.15 of the Bankruptcy Act.

- First debtor petition in bankruptcy on foot of a failed PIA/DSA as opposed to a PIP letter.

- Numerous successful defence cases to creditor objections to PIA/DSA arrangements.

Publications

The Consolidated Bankruptcy and Personal Insolvency Legislation, published by Thomson Reuters Round Hall.