She originally practised as a solicitor in a corporate law firm, before becoming a barrister where she had a broad commercial and civil practice.
Her judicial career included temporary positions at the European Court of Human Rights and the Referendum Commission.
[10] The topic of her inaugural address was the "Just Society" and featured contributions from Mary Robinson, Declan Costello and Brian Walsh.
[12] She continued practising in commercial matters, including employment and tax law disputes.
[20][21] She represented Paul McGuinness and Windmill Lane Productions in the judicial review of a decision of the Independent Radio and Television Commission to revoke a licence to establish TV3.
[22] Finlay Geoghegan acted as an independent legal adviser to the State on matters of EC law in 1996.
[24] She appeared for RTÉ in constitutional cases in the Supreme Court regarding the need for equal time in referendums coverage.
[26][27][28] She joined the Law Reform Commission in October 1980 as a part-time member to serve a five-year term.
[30] She is currently a board member of the National Children's Research Centre and a governor of the Royal Hospital, Donnybrook.
[39] The Chief Justice Frank Clarke described her judicial contribution as "meticulous and firm" and marked by "an overlay of lightness and a deep underlay of humanity".
[26] Upon her retirement, she reflected on her belief in the need for more members of the judiciary to be appointed in Ireland in order for justice to be properly administered.