Philip Lee merger deepens Cork legal market capacity as firm expands real estate and corporate offering
Strategic tie-up with BHK Solicitors strengthens regional advisory capability for property, development and investment clients
16 January 2026 | 📧 editor@irishrealestate.news
Philip Lee LLP has announced a strategic merger with Cork-based BHK Solicitors LLP, a move that significantly expands its presence in the Munster region and strengthens its capacity to serve real estate, development and corporate clients outside Dublin.
The merger, which will take effect from 1 February 2026, will see the combined firm trade as Philip Lee LLP. Partner numbers across the firm will exceed 50 following completion, underlining Philip Lee’s continued expansion in Ireland’s commercial legal market.
For the property and real estate sector, the deal creates a larger multi-disciplinary legal practice in Cork with deeper local expertise in real estate, corporate transactions and litigation. BHK Solicitors has built a strong reputation in advising on property-related corporate structures, development activity and dispute resolution, areas that are increasingly active in Cork and the wider Munster region.
Philip Lee said the merger is driven by growing demand from clients in Cork and across Munster for access to a broader range of specialist legal services locally, particularly as regional cities attract increased domestic and international investment. The combined firm will offer clients access to a wider pool of legal specialists while reducing reliance on advisers based outside the region.
Jonathan Kelly, managing partner of Philip Lee LLP, said the merger reflects the firm’s long-term growth strategy and commitment to regional Ireland. He noted that Cork’s expanding economy and development pipeline made it a natural focus for further investment by the firm.
BHK Solicitors was founded nine years ago by Patricia O’Brien, Gavin Hinchy and David O’Keeffe and has developed a strong corporate-focused practice with particular strengths in real estate, transactional work and litigation. Patricia O’Brien said joining Philip Lee would allow BHK’s clients to benefit from expanded resources and expertise, while providing new opportunities for the firm’s team as part of a larger national and international practice.
The merger comes at a time of sustained activity in Cork’s property and development market, with ongoing investment across commercial, residential and infrastructure projects reinforcing demand for locally based, full-service legal advisers.
