Cork law firm announces plan to increase its number of solicitors by at least 30

A Cork law firm has announced that it plans to drastically increase the number of solicitors it employs as it looks to expand its business by 50% over the next five years.

O’Flynn Exhams LLP said it is aiming to increase its number of solicitors to at least 30 by 2029. The firm, which currently has eight trainee solicitors, said it will double the number of trainee solicitors it hires each year.

The business, dating back to the late 18th century, said it will take on four trainees this year for the first time and hopes to retain the majority of those solicitors when they qualify.

Based on Cork’s South Mall, the firm said its training programme provides graduates with the practical and technical skills necessary to become successful solicitors. It said each of its trainees complete rotations in corporate and commercial law, litigation and dispute resolution, commercial property, and private client law.

Shane Crossan, managing partner at O’Flynn Exhams, said that the firm is “committed to nurturing upcoming talent and supporting our team members to grow and progress in their careers”.

“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,” Mr Crossan said.

“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.”

The firm said it also runs an internship programme each summer which is open to undergraduate students and graduates, with trainee solicitors primarily selected through it.

“Rachel Dukelow, a trainee solicitor due to qualify in January 2025, said that the internship is a worthwhile experience.

“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,” Ms Dukelow said.

“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. 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.”

Those interested in finding out more about O’Flynn Exhams can visit https://www.ofx.ie/.

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