JP McDowell

I lead the Public and Regulatory/Planning and Environmental Department, comprising a specialised team of 28 solicitors, who provide a host of legal services to statutory, regulatory and licensing bodies operating across a range of sectors, including health and social care, education, charities, finance, planning, environmental and professional services.

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.

I am also recommended in Legal500 EMEA 2021 for Public Sector and Planning and Environmental.