JP McDowell | Fieldfisher
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Professional background

Professional background

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.

Awards & recognition

Awards & recognition

Chambers and Partners
He is an excellent, pragmatic litigator.
Chambers Europe 2022
J.P. McDowell has a superb reputation for professional discipline work, frequently acting for regulatory authorities. Respondents praise his reputation in the area and praise his "direct handling of regulatory and disciplinary work."

Authored pieces

All Resources
Close-up of a laboratory setting featuring a plastic test tube rack and graduated pipettes submerged in water with bubbles surrounding them. The background transitions from pink to blue tones, creating a visually appealing scientific scene.
Life Sciences
Insight

The European Court of Justice opens the way for chemically synthesised generics of reference biological medicinal products

29.04.2026
In a landmark decision issued last Thursday, the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that a medicines agency may grant a marketing authorisation for a chemically synthesised product as a generic of a reference biological medicinal product. This decision applies across all EU Member States and is expected to have significant implications for the pharmaceutical sector.
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Close-up of several blister packs filled with blue and white capsules. The capsules are arranged in a grid-like pattern, and the lighting highlights some of the rows, giving a metallic sheen to the packaging.
Life Sciences
Insight

The European Court of Justice issues a landmark decision concerning defective medicines, facilitating patient indemnification

27.03.2026
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Several packs of pills in various shapes and colors are scattered on a surface. The medication is contained in blister packs, with some capsules being half white and half blue, others in different color combinations. The image uses blue and pink lighting.
Life Sciences
Insight

Potential new financial sanctions in France for innovative pharmaceutical companies delaying the launch of generics

23.01.2026
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Insight

Following in the footsteps of other European countries, new regulation in France has facilitated the development and reimbursement of digital medical devices in this highly promising sector

06.11.2023
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Press Release

Fieldfisher signs lease on new office location as law firm eyes growth in the Irish market

25.08.2023
The law firm aims to grow its team and footprint in Ireland over the coming three years Renewables and data privacy practice areas set to grow in line with increasing client demands  
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What others say…

Chambers and Partners
He is an excellent, pragmatic litigator.
Chambers Europe 2022
J.P. McDowell has a superb reputation for professional discipline work, frequently acting for regulatory authorities. Respondents praise his reputation in the area and praise his "direct handling of regulatory and disciplinary work."