Key Contact: Jonathan Kelly – Managing Partner | Michael Cahill – Partner |
Philip Lee LLP is delighted to announce its merger with BHK Solicitors LLP, a leading Cork-based corporate law firm. This represents a significant milestone in Philip Lee’s continuing expansion and the firm’s commitment to delivering exceptional legal services to clients both within Ireland and internationally.
Following the merger Philip Lee’s partner headcount will exceed 50, highlighting the firm’s ambitious growth and its evolution as a significant force in Ireland’s commercial legal sector. From 1 February 2026, the combined firm will trade as Philip Lee LLP.
Strengthening Service for Clients in Cork and Munster
The merger is driven by Philip Lee’s ambition to better serve its growing client base in Cork and the wider Munster region, coupled with the ambition of BHK’s partners to have access to the resources, expertise, and infrastructure needed to support its expanding client base and their increasingly complex business demands. By joining forces with BHK Solicitors, Philip Lee will offer clients in Cork and Munster access to a very broad pool of specialist legal talent, enhanced service lines and the benefits of a multi-location firm with a strong national and international reputation.
The merger creates a multi-disciplinary legal practice in Cork capable of meeting the demands of the many Cork-based domestic and international enterprises, providing such businesses with access to comprehensive, specialist support locally, reducing their reliance on distant advisers while reinforcing their commitment to the regional economy.
Jonathan Kelly, managing partner of Philip Lee, commented: “This merger is a natural next step in our firm’s growth journey. Cork is a vibrant, ambitious city and we are delighted to strengthen our connection with it. By combining our offering with BHK Solicitors we will deliver even greater value to our clients and create new opportunities for our people.”
About BHK Solicitors LLP
Founded nine years ago by Patricia O’Brien, Gavin Hinchy and David O’Keeffe, BHK has established itself as a corporate-focused firm. The firm has particular strengths in real estate, corporate transactions and litigation services.
Patricia O’Brien, Partner at BHK Solicitors, commented: “We are proud of what we have built at BHK and look forward to this new chapter as part of Philip Lee. Our clients will benefit from the expanded expertise and resources, while our team will have new avenues for professional development and collaboration.”
Pictured L:R Michael Cahill, Sarah Morrissey, David O’Keeffe, Patricia O Brien, Jonathan Kelly, Hazel Riordan, Gavin Hinchy and Catherine Conway.
