High Court Clarifies “Practical Benefit” Test in Aviation Enforcement Case
High Court clarifies when aviation-related assets can satisfy Ireland's "practical benefit" test for judgment enforcement.
Barbara has particular expertise in advising on all aspects of examinership, liquidation and receivership processes (contentious and non-contentious), acting for creditors, shareholders and directors as well as insolvency practitioners. Barbara’s more recent experience includes advising on a number of significant cross-border insolvency and restructuring processes. She also advises clients in complex commercial litigation matters.
Recent significant work includes advising:
- the committee of unsecured creditors appointed in the US Chapter 11 proceedings of Endo International plc on all Irish law aspects of the Chapter 11, including an Irish law scheme of arrangement under Part 9 of the Companies Act 2014.
- an ad hoc group of bondholders (holding c.$500m of bonds), led by Attestor Capital, in successfully petitioning the Irish High Court for the winding up of two companies in the Russian state owned GTLK group (which had a valuation in the region of $4.5bn prior to the imposition of international sanctions).
- Certa Ireland Limited in Commercial Court proceedings against Green D Project Ireland Limited in a dispute valued at c.€30m
- Andrew O’Leary and Ken Fennell of Interpath, the joint receivers of 4D Pharma Cork
- Nicholas O’Dwyer and Stuart Preston of Grant Thornton, as joint liquidators of Windhoist Ireland
- Padraic O’Malley (of JW Accountants) and Myles Kirby (of Kirby Healy & Co) as joint liquidators of Clifton Court Hotel.
2026 Chambers Europe
"Barbara Galvin approaches complex restructuring and insolvency matters with confidence and provides solutions that are both practical and commercially focused." "Barbara Galvin offers exceptional service and always presents with professionalism, commercial awareness, integrity and technical excellence."
2025 Chambers Europe
"Barbara is very driven in her field and provides very practical solutions. She has a vast amount of experience and can see solutions from various angles." "Barbara is great to work with: technically strong and always seems to take a practical approach to our dealings."
2025 Legal 500 EMEA
"Barbara Galvin is a joy to work with. Her wealth of knowledge is outstanding and gives you time and attention no matter how small the work. She is always available to her clients. She has a great attitude to not only her work and clients, but also junior members of staff and brings them on." "Barbara's strengths lie in her comprehensive understanding of both Irish and international insolvency law, and her ability to navigate complex, often contentious situations with a calm, solution-focused approach." "Barbara Galvin is a strong technically able lawyer within the team and has been able to coordinate a number of firms across multiple jurisdictions with ease and calm - a great partner to work with."
2025 IFLR 1000
Barbara is ranked as a Rising Star Partner in IFLR 1000 in Restructuring and Insolvency.
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Article and Insights
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William Fry Advises Examiner in Harp Renewables and ERJ Capital Examinerships
Our Restructuring & Insolvency team advised the Examiner in the successful rescue and recapitalisation of Harp Renewables and ERJ Capital.
Article and Insights
International Restructuring through Ireland – Examinership
A guide to how international companies can use Ireland’s Examinership process to achieve complex cross-border restructurings.
Article and Insights
Can Liquidators Contractually Limit Their Liability?
The English High Court has ruled that liquidators cannot contractually limit their liability for statutory duties under the Insolvency Act.
Article and Insights
Irish High Court Grants Anti-Suit Injunction to Protect Integrity of Liquidation
The Irish High Court recently granted an anti-suit injunction to Joint Liquidators of companies in Irish winding-up proceedings.
Article and Insights
Irish High Court Recognises Northern Ireland Administration Proceedings
Post – Brexit First: Irish High Court recognises Northern Irish insolvency proceedings, applying common law principles under its inherent jurisdict...
Article and Insights
Insolvency Reforms Under Amended Companies Act
Insolvency reforms introduced under the Companies (Corporate Governance, Enforcement and Regulatory Provisions) Act 2024.
Article and Insights
When Arbitration Meets Insolvency: Navigating the Legal Crossroads
Privy Council decision on arbitration agreements in insolvency cases.
Article and Insights
Additional Rights to Information for Employees of Insolvent Companies
New legislation seeks to further strengthen employees' right to information in the liquidation process.
Article and Insights
Changes to the Realisation of Assets of Companies in Liquidation
Changes to Companies Act introduced under new legislation on the realisation of assets of companies in liquidation.