JP McDowell | Fieldfisher
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Professional background

Professional background

I provide high level strategic advice in relation to policy, governance and statutory interpretation.  I have extensive experience in advising start-up regulators in respect of their requirements and have particular experience in the drafting of regulations. I have overseen the management of hundreds of fitness to practise/disciplinary investigations and Inquiries, in addition to having extensive litigation experience. I have been involved in many of the seminal legal cases in the regulatory sphere and regularly represent statutory bodies in defending judicial reviews and statutory appeals in the Superior Courts. I am an experienced advocate, regularly appearing before Councils/Committees, Appeals Boards, Committees of Investigation, tribunals, the District Court and the Superior Courts for oral hearings and submissions.

I advise planning and environmental licensing authorities on all aspects of the interpretation of their governing legislation, including advising on legal issues arising in respect of licensing applications and enforcement of licences.

I quickly understand the challenges faced by clients and provide solution focussed and tailored strategic advice, thereby supporting clients in the minimisation of legal risk.

I regularly address national and international conferences, and host seminars devoted to legal developments in the area of Public and Regulatory Law/Planning and Environmental Law. I  co-authored the only legal text book in the area of Public and Regulatory law in this jurisdiction entitled “Disciplinary Procedures in the Statutory Professions” (published by Bloomsbury in 2011).

I am ranked as a 'Band 1' Lawyer in Chambers Europe for Dispute Resolution: Professional Discipline in Ireland.

Awards & recognition

Awards & recognition

Chambers Europe 2024
"J.P. McDowell is really the original public regulatory lawyer who developed that space."
Chambers Europe 2023
J.P. McDowell seeks creative solutions to challenges and is not afraid of pushing boundaries when it is appropriate to do so. At the same time, he delivers advice in a safe and measured way, designed to achieve the best outcome for the client.
Chambers Europe 2022
J.P. McDowell has a superb reputation for professional discipline work, frequently acting for regulatory authorities. Respondents praise his reputation in the area and praise his "direct handling of regulatory and disciplinary work."

Authored pieces

All Resources
Four men in business attire stand together on a balcony outdoors, with a modern glass building and cloudy sky in the background. They are smiling and facing the camera.
Corporate and Commercial
Press Release

Fieldfisher and Regan Wall merge to build leading Irish corporate law team

05.11.2025
Regan Wall LLP, one of Ireland’s premier M&A firms, merges with FieldfisherClients to benefit from access to Fieldfisher’s 28 offices across 14 countriesExpansion follows recent European office launches in Austria, Italy, Poland and Portugal
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Four men in business suits stand side by side, smiling, in front of a modern wooden wall. Three men wear dark suits with purple ties, and one wears a blue suit with a pink tie.
Dispute Resolution
Press Release

International Law Firm Fieldfisher Expands Dispute Resolution Offering with Appointment of Leading Dublin Partner Dermot McEvoy

16.09.2025
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Two people, wearing helmets and reflective vests, are riding brown horses along a quiet, paved road bordered by lush green hedges. In the background, a parked blue car is partially visible. The riders appear to be relaxed and enjoying their leisurely ride.
Public and Regulatory
Insight

Employees of Equine Slaughter Facility Convicted for Non-Compliance with EU Regulations

29.04.2025
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A digital illustration depicting interconnected glowing nodes and lines on a dark background. The nodes emit blue and pink light, creating an intricate web-like pattern, reminiscent of a neural network or a complex digital system.
Public and Regulatory
Insight

Decoding the Consumer Protection Code 2025

23.04.2025
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Corporate and Commercial
Press Release

Fieldfisher appoints Peter O'Neill to enhance commercial, corporate and renewable energy law capabilities

08.10.2024
The appointment of the seasoned corporate, commercial and renewable energy law expert will complement Fieldfisher’s renowned international practice
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What others say…

Chambers Europe 2024
"J.P. McDowell is really the original public regulatory lawyer who developed that space."
Chambers Europe 2023
J.P. McDowell seeks creative solutions to challenges and is not afraid of pushing boundaries when it is appropriate to do so. At the same time, he delivers advice in a safe and measured way, designed to achieve the best outcome for the client.
Chambers Europe 2022
J.P. McDowell has a superb reputation for professional discipline work, frequently acting for regulatory authorities. Respondents praise his reputation in the area and praise his "direct handling of regulatory and disciplinary work."