Keith Newman has returned to Mason Hayes & Curran as a partner in the business law firm's energy team.
Newman has spent the past three years as in-house counsel for Meta, where he focused on construction and energy matters across EMEA.
During his stint with the Facebook owner, he advised on high-profile data centre developments and renewable energy procurement transactions.
“Ireland's energy sector is growing rapidly and faces increased complexity. I’m pleased to return to Mason Hayes & Curran and to help shape some of Ireland’s most critical energy and infrastructure projects," said Newman.
"Having worked in-house, I understand the pressures clients face and the importance of commercial advice that keeps projects moving.”
Mason Hayes & Curran said that Newman will support clients throughout the life cycle of energy projects from early development to grid connection and regulation, construction and market access.
His work focuses on technologies including wind, solar, storage and hybrid systems. Newman also advises data centre developers on all legal aspects of project delivery with a particular focus on energy procurement and construction.
He has built strong expertise in climate law and carbon reduction strategies, including insetting and other decarbonisation initiatives.
Newman began his career at Mason Hayes & Curran where he trained, worked in the firm's London office and then qualified on to the energy team.
He has more than a decade of experience advising on complex, cross-border energy and infrastructure projects throughout Ireland, Europe and the US.
Rory Kirrane SC, partner and head of construction, infrastructure and utilities at Mason Hayes & Curran, commented: “Keith is widely respected for his commercial approach and deep sectoral knowledge.
"His expertise combines private practice rigour with a strong understanding of business drivers and international markets. Clients value Keith’s pragmatic and solutions-focused approach.”
Eoin Cassidy, partner and energy sector lead at Mason Hayes & Curran, said: “We are advising clients through one of the most ambitious periods of energy transition in the State’s history.
"Keith’s track record in delivering complex energy projects, both in Ireland and abroad, further enhances our capabilities in this space.”
Newman holds degrees from the University of Galway and Trinity College Dublin, and is a member of the Law Society of Ireland. He will speak at Mason Hayes & Curran’s annual Energy Conference on September 11 at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, Dublin.
Photo: (l-r) Eoin Cassidy, Keith Newman and Rory Kirrane SC. (Pic: Paul Sherwood Photography)
