Dublin 2 firm Ken Kennedy Solicitors has merged with PJ Walsh to form a new business called Ken Kennedy Solicitors (incorporating PJ Walsh & Co).

Celebrating the merger at the Stephen’s Green Hibernian Club in Dublin 2 last night, principal Ken Kennedy told assembled guests that the new venture was a young firm with a rich history.

PJ Walsh and Co was founded in 1937 and handed on to PJ’s son-in-law Sean Sexton in the early 1970s.

Shook hands

Ken Kennedy said that both Sean and he shook hands on the merger in September 2018, and that Sean remains an integral part of the business.

Having moved from large commercial law firms like Matheson and Maples to set up in business himself, Kennedy explained that he believed there was a very important place for the smaller, client-centred, customer-focused firm in Ireland.

“A solicitor’s role is to be an advisor for life, and not just a single transaction,” he said. “There is still a huge demand for this level of service in the Irish market.”

Team

The firm now employs a team of 12 at its office in Fitzwilliam Street Upper, Dublin 2.

Former England rugby coach Stuart Lancaster (pictured) who has renewed his Leinster contract for two more years, was the guest speaker at the launch.

He shared insights into effective leadership, which he said was built around a strong sense of community at the provincial club.