Key Contacts: Alice Whittaker – Chairperson | Jonathan Kelly – Managing Partner | Philip Lee – Partner |
Philip Lee LLP has named Alice Whittaker as the new chairperson of the firm, effective January 1, 2026.
Established in 1993, the firm has thrived under the leadership of managing partner, Jonathan Kelly, and founding partner and chairperson, Philip Lee who retires at the end of 2025.
As chairperson, Alice will be responsible for leading the firm’s strategic direction, strengthening the culture, and supporting the partnership and growth of the firm. Typical of this approach are recent new senior appointments to the firm’s Taxation practice and partnering with New York-based Skylight Law LLP to operate as Philip Lee (US) LLP – the combined practice is now one of the largest dedicated climate law practices in the world.
A naturally low-key person who embodies the firm’s culture of expertise, entrepreneurship and collegiality, she will continue to lead the firm’s market-leading Environment and Climate Group, achieving the highest rankings available from independent publications including Chambers Europe (Band 1: Environment) and Legal 500 (“Hall of Fame”: Planning and Environment), and was included in the latest Sunday Business Post (Legal 100: Planning and Environment).
While now more of an e-bike commuter, Alice took a break early in her career to solo-tour New Zealand by bicycle before joining the firm in 2004 and was promoted to partner in 2007. She has contributed to the firm’s brand and growth strategy over the past 21 years.
Alice’s high impact work has included securing judicial review-free permissions for landmark projects including the Dublin Waste to Energy facility, the National Children’s and Maternity Hospitals, and the Port of Cork redevelopment at Ringaskiddy. More recently she has focused on maritime planning, renewables and sustainable infrastructure.
Commenting on the appointment, Alice Whittaker said: “I am delighted to have the trust of the partners to step into the chairperson role after the firm’s founding partner and chairperson, Philip Lee, retires in 2026. He is leaving some big shoes to fill, but has laid the groundwork for a successful transition. The Irish legal market is going through a period of considerable change, with consolidation and restructuring among other Irish law firms. This creates opportunities to attract talented lawyers, particularly those with an international outlook. We see potential in a growing number of sectors including renewables and climate projects, media, technology, healthcare, infrastructure and housing. We see significant growth in our corporate and tax practices, and commercial litigation.
More comments from Philip Lee and Jonathan Kelly
As an independent, Irish owned firm of scale with an international reach and over 100 lawyers, we have a strong reputation for combining specialist expertise with commercial acumen and teamwork. That matters in the Ireland, UK and US markets.
Philip Lee said: “I’m proud to leave the firm in the very capable hands of the partnership led by Jonathan and Alice. Over the decades, Philip Lee has carved out a distinctive space in the legal market, both in Ireland and internationally. We have strived for a culture in which individuals can lead and thrive. I’m looking forward to seeing the team continue to build on the talent, vision and international outlook that brought the firm to where it is today.”
Jonathan Kelly, managing partner, Philip Lee said: “As a long valued colleague, I’m looking forward to working with Alice in her role of chairperson of the firm. Collectively, we will focus on the core strengths of the business, capitalising on a dynamic and competitive marketplace that offers many new opportunities. The professionalism and expertise of Philip Lee is embedded in the business and that’s a great basis to propel forward.”
