Maura Kavannagh
Solicitors
Analytical
Advocacy
Impact
01
Years of experience as a Solicitor
03
Years PQE
01
Years with Gibson & Associates LLP
Maura Kavannagh Experience & Career
Qualifications
Undergraduate Degree – Law and French (BCLF) University College Cork, graduated 2015
Diplôme des Etudes Universitaires Françaises for completion of one years’ study in Université Jean Moulin Lyon III
LLM (International and Comparative Law), Trinity College Dublin, graduated 2016
Professional Memberships & Accreditations
Areas of Specialism / Interest
Also interested in Assisted Decision Making and Capacity and Family Law
What I Enjoy Most About Being a Solicitor in Ireland
Building strong relationships with clients and colleagues, supporting individuals through complex legal matters, and helping people navigate important decisions with confidence.
Advocating for Fairness & Justice
Representing those who need support in challenging unfair or unlawful decisions, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are protected.
Research, Learning & Problem Solving
Enjoying the academic and research aspects of legal practice, finding practical solutions to complex issues, and providing clear information that empowers people to advocate for themselves.
Noteable Cases I have worked on in past
I have acted in multiple High Court Judicial proceedings against the Minister for Justice and their agents and resulting in successful settlement of proceedings challenging decisions made by the Minister in immigration and international protection related matters, including challenging delays in decision making
I have acted on behalf of numerous clients in their various applications for visas and permission to remain in Ireland
I have assisted numerous Applicants for International Protection throughout the process to becoming recognised as Refugees and Beneficiaries of Subsidiary Protection in Ireland, both privately and through the Legal Aid Board’s Private Practitioner Scheme
I have successfully obtained orders for decision-making representatives to be appointed to a relevant persons in matters where complex conflicts of interest were arising and
I have represented clients securing numerous final orders in district, circuit and high court family law matters many negotiated by settlement
Prior to qualifying:
- I assisted the lead solicitor in the matter of M.A.M. v. The Minister for Justice & Equality [2020] IESC 32 successfully securing the right of naturalised refugees (recognised under the Refugee Act 1996) to family reunification post naturalisation
- I assisted the lead solicitor in the matter of A.J.K. v. The Minister for Defence [2020] IECA 64 successfully securing the right of a Non-EEA National beneficiary of Subsidiary Protection in the State to enter the Irish Defence Forces
- I assisted the lead solicitor in the successful settlement of High Court personal injuries proceedings against the State involving a mother and two children residing in then Direct Provision accommodation
Press & Media Features
Why I Chose to Work in Law
I have been fortunate in knowing that I always wanted to work in law and was able to achieve that. Working in law is interesting, practical and very rewarding.
I have always wanted to work in the area of human rights, I was inspired from a young age by strong female advocates like Mary Robinson when she became the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and was very must affected by the refugee crisis in Europe in 2015/2016 when I was leaving college and wanted very much to do what I could with the skills that I have to help those affected.
I was again very fortunate to be accepted as an intern in an NGO working with migrants in Ireland which has inspired my career to date.
Area of Interest
I started in the NGO sector and was employed in the public sector before moving to the private sector to complete my traineeship and qualify
Community Involvement
Volunteer with FLAC
Awards or Accreditations
Awarded FLAC’s Golden Pin Award in recognition to commitment to volunteer legal services
