Joanelle O’Cleirigh is a Partner at Arthur Cox LLP in Dublin, where she advises a broad range of clients, with a particular focus on the healthcare, life sciences and regulated sectors. She is widely recognised for her expertise in complex investigations, inquiries and regulatory matters, and has extensive experience advising organisations on high-profile and sensitive legal issues.

Over the course of her career, Joanelle has built a strong reputation in corporate crime, regulatory investigations and dispute resolution. Her work has included advising clients involved in some of Ireland’s most significant Tribunals of Inquiry and Commissions of Investigation, as well as managing complex statutory and corporate investigations. She regularly supports organisations through challenging regulatory and governance matters, providing strategic and practical advice in highly scrutinised environments.

Joanelle’s healthcare and life sciences practice encompasses a wide range of issues including healthcare regulation, compliance, investigations, product recalls, contractual disputes, medical negligence, privacy and data protection, capacity and consent, child protection, maternity services and cross-border healthcare matters. She also advises on matters involving the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) and the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA).

Her notable experience includes acting for clients in major public inquiries and investigations, advising healthcare providers in significant disputes, representing regulated entities in investigations conducted by bodies such as HIQA and IAASA, and supporting pharmaceutical and medical device companies on regulatory and product liability matters. Among her healthcare-related engagements, she has advised organisations including the Blackrock Clinic and the Religious Sisters of Charity, as well as various pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare providers.

In 2022, Joanelle was appointed by the Irish Government to represent the business and financial sectors on the newly established Advisory Council against Economic Crime and Corruption, reflecting her standing as a leading adviser in governance, compliance and regulatory affairs. She is also a founding member and Chapter Leader of the Irish Chapter of the Women White Collar Defense Association, Chair of the Standards and Procedures Committee of FraudNet, and a member of the FraudNet Board.

Recognised by both Chambers Europe and The Legal 500, Joanelle is highly regarded for her strategic insight, commercial approach and deep understanding of complex regulatory and healthcare matters.