Trading Stories: Law firm dating back to late 18th Century reveals plans for future

Cork’s O’Flynn Exhams LLP is one of Ireland’s longest established commercial law firms.

The company has a history dating back to the late 18th century and remains at the forefront of business in Munster more than 225 years later, occupying premises of 15,000 square feet within four connected buildings on Cork’s South Mall.

Established in 1799, the company is going from strength to strength with two recent landmark announcements.

It recently revealed plans to grow its business by 50% over the next five years, while the company was also included in the world’s most prominent legal directories — the Legal 500 Europe, Middle East and Africa 2024 report.

The most recent publication of the Legal 500 report highlighted the firm’s work in dispute resolution; commercial, corporate, mergers and acquisitions; and real estate.

The annual Legal 500 rankings are based on feedback from 300,000 in-house peers and access to law firms deals which are independently assessed by a team of researchers.

The report highlights O’Flynn Exhams’ solid track record in acting for large domestic corporates and international businesses; its ‘excellent’ real estate team with notable experience of acting for semi-state bodies on land acquisitions for infrastructure projects; and its fine reputation in commercial real estate disputes, energy and utilities disputes, shareholder disputes and professional negligence, among other areas.

Shane Crossan, managing partner, O’Flynn Exhams, said: “The only way for a firm to be included in the Legal 500 is merit, which is why the rankings are so highly regarded.

“We’re honoured that so many of our clients provided positive testimonials.

“This acknowledgment not only validates our commitment to delivering exceptional legal services but also underscores the trust and confidence our clients place in us.”

O’Flynn Exhams has also revealed expansion plans which will see developments to their trainee programme and staff recruitment.

The company aims to increase the number of solicitors at the firm to at least 30 by 2029. 

As part of the expansion plans, the company will be doubling the number of trainee solicitors it hires each year.

The firm currently has eight trainee solicitors. It will be taking on four trainees this year for the first time and hopes to retain the majority of those solicitors when they qualify.

The popular trainee programme provides graduates with the practical and technical skills necessary to become successful solicitors. Each trainee completes rotations in corporate and commercial law; litigation and dispute resolution; commercial property; and private client law.

Trainees are also given experience in several specialist areas and are directly mentored by a partner in each rotation.

“We are committed to nurturing upcoming talent and supporting our team members to grow and progress in their careers,” Mr Crossan added.

“We will be hiring solicitors in every area of our practice which is a reflection of how business is performing in Munster.

“Commercial property in Cork is bucking the national trend and the overall population here is expected to continue to grow.

“This is the first generation where geography is less of a concern, employees see the value of working in a place like Cork where they are guaranteed a good quality of life and quick career progression pathways.”

O’Flynn Exhams also runs a successful internship programme each summer. The four-week programme is open to undergraduate students and graduates. Trainee solicitors are primarily selected through the internship programme.

Rachel Dukelow is a trainee solicitor and is due to qualify in January 2025.

“The internship is hugely popular and is an incredible way to showcase your skills and work ethic,” she said.

“There is only so much you can do in a job interview so this four week internship is your opportunity to shine.

“I took part in 2021 and was offered a training contract starting in June 2022. The training at O’Flynn Exhams is well-rounded and you gain invaluable first-hand experience even in high-profile cases.

“Cork has a lot to offer, the work life balance is better here and now that the Professional Practice Course (PPC) has been combined into the one sitting, you only need to move to Dublin once,” she added.

“I had no experience prior to joining O’Flynn Exhams. The first four months I spent on the trainee programme before moving to Dublin for the PPC was great preparation and meant I got the most out of the academic year in Blackhall.”

The legal firm has its roots firmly in Cork and frequently lends its support to local charities.

Earlier this year, O’Flynn Exhams LLP renewed its long-standing partnership with Cope Foundation at the charity’s annual Golf Classic.

The firm is the main sponsor of the event, which will help the Cork-based charity raise €1 million to build bespoke housing for people with intellectual disability and/or autism.

Micheál Ó Mulláin, partner at O’Flynn Exhams LLP Solicitors said: “We have supported the organisation’s annual Golf Classic for many years, and it is an event we look forward to, year in and year out.

“It’s one of the most established and longest running Golf Classics in Munster. The team in Cope Foundation do incredible work and we are proud to be aligned with them.”

O’Flynn Exhams Solicitors is a leading, commercial law firm at the forefront of legal advice in Munster. For more information visit https://www.ofx.ie.