Claire Irwin is a Senior Solicitor at Dermot G. O’Donovan Solicitors, having joined the firm in 2024. She brings with her over two decades of specialised legal experience, with a particular focus on Childcare Law, Child Protection, and Public Policy. Prior to joining the firm, Claire held positions with Padhraic Harris & Company Solicitors and EP Keane & Company Solicitors, both based in Galway, and spent a significant portion of her career working as Legal Adviser to Tusla – The Child and Family Agency.

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Claire qualified as a solicitor in 2004 and has since developed a distinguished legal career dedicated to the protection and welfare of children. For almost 20 years, she has acted as Legal Adviser to Tusla, where she has advised on a wide array of complex and sensitive child protection issues. Her role encompassed the provision of strategic legal advice to social work teams and senior management, as well as participating in proceedings across all court levels — including the District Court, Circuit Court, High Court, and Supreme Court.

With a reputation for clarity, compassion, and strategic thinking, Claire has been a trusted advisor to multidisciplinary teams within Tusla, helping to shape policy and respond to legal challenges across the child protection sector.

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In addition to her legal practice, Claire is deeply committed to the advancement of professional education and training in Child Protection. She has played a key role in designing and delivering training programmes for social workers, legal professionals, and court presenters within Tusla. She continues to be actively involved in the provision of courtroom skills training and legal education for the Agency’s staff.

Claire also contributes to academic and professional development within the wider social work and legal community. She has regularly delivered guest lectures and workshops to students enrolled in the Master of Social Work programme at the University of Galway, sharing her insights on legal processes, child welfare policy, and multidisciplinary collaboration in child protection cases.

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Claire’s approach combines legal precision with a deep understanding of the real-world impact of the law on children, families, and professionals. Her unique expertise strengthens our team and ensures clients receive the highest level of support and representation in childcare and public law matters.