Philip Lee LLP announce merger with Cork-based BHK Solicitors

Philip Lee LLP has announced a merger with Cork-based BHK Solicitors LLP, a move that will see the combined firm operate under the Philip Lee LLP name from 1 February 2026 and expand its partner group to more than 50.

The merger represents a further milestone in the growth of the Dublin-headquartered law firm, which also has offices in London and New York, and underlines its ambition to strengthen its position in Ireland’s commercial legal market while enhancing its regional presence.

Philip Lee said the deal is aimed at deepening its service offering in Cork and across the wider Munster region, responding to growing client demand for locally based, specialist legal expertise.

At the same time, the merger provides BHK Solicitors with access to a broader range of resources, infrastructure and specialist knowledge to support its expanding client base and increasingly complex mandates.

The combined firm will establish a multi-disciplinary legal practice in Cork, providing domestic and international businesses in the region with access to comprehensive legal services locally.

Philip Lee said this will reduce the need for clients to rely on advisers based outside the region while reinforcing its long-term commitment to the regional economy.

Jonathan Kelly, managing partner of Philip Lee, said: “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.”

BHK Solicitors was founded nine years ago by Patricia O’Brien, Gavin Hinchy and David O’Keeffe and has built a strong reputation as a corporate-focused law firm, with particular strengths in real estate, corporate transactions and litigation.

Patricia O’Brien, partner at BHK Solicitors, said: “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.”

Philip Lee’s client base spans a wide range of sectors across Ireland and internationally, and includes organisations such as AIB, Bank of Ireland, Cairn, Coillte, the Data Protection Commission, the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, Disney, EirGrid, the Health Service Executive, Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, Port of Cork, Sky, Sport Ireland, Statkraft, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and Volkswagen.

Philip Lee LLP are also the sponsor of the first series of the Business Plus Talks podcast, where Dave Burke sits down with Irish business leaders as they reveal the pivotal conversations that altered their careers, businesses, or perspectives. New episodes are released every Friday.

Photo: Michael Cahill (Partner, Philip Lee), Sarah Morrissey (Senior Associate, BHK), David O’Keeffe (Partner, BHK), Patricia O’Brien (Partner, BHK), Jonathan Kelly (Managing Partner, Philip Lee), Hazel Riordan (Senior Associate, BHK), Gavin Hinchy (Partner, BHK) and Catherine Conway (Senior Associate, BHK)