One of Ireland’s longest-established commercial law firms has announced plans to grow its business by 50% over the next five years. O’Flynn Exhams LLP is aiming to increase the number of solicitors at the firm to at least 30 by 2029.
The firm has a history dating back to the late 18th century and remains at the forefront of business in Munster more than 225 years later. The firm occupies premises of over 15,000 square feet within four connected buildings on Cork’s South Mall.
As part of the expansion plans O’Flynn Exhams 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 operated by O’Flynn Exhams 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.
Shane Crossan, Managing Partner, O’Flynn Exhams, said: “We are 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. 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, she said: “The internship is hugely popular and is an incredible way to showcase your skills and work ethic. 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 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.”
For more information about O’Flynn Exhams visit https://www.ofx.ie/.
