Pictured at the merger announcement (l-r): Derek Walsh (Sellors), Helen Rackard (MHP), Stephen Keogh (managing partner, Sellors), John Shaw (MHP), Miriam O’Connor (Sellors), Ian Sheehy (Sellors), Sinéad Nunan (MHP). Missing from photo is Ronan Hynes (Sellors). Photograph: Eamon Ward.

TWO OF THE MID-WEST’s longest serving legal teams are to merge creating the largest law firm in Co Clare.

Ennis based, Michael Houlihan & Partners (MHP) and Sellors LLP located in Limerick announced on Tuesday that they will merge, resulting in the formation of Clare’s largest law firm and one of the biggest dual-county legal teams in the Mid-West.

Founded in 1933, ISO accredited MHP which was named Munster Law Firm of the Year in 2021 is a seven-solicitor firm with three partners. Sellors LLP has 150 years of experience, the fourteen-solicitor firm with five partners was the 2019 Munster Law Firm of the Year.

This merger will grow the combined legal practice to 50 people, incorporating a team of 21 lawyers, and build on a collective 240 years’ experience. As well as private clients, local authorities, lending institutions, insurance companies and privately owned companies use the services of the two firms who will continue to operate from their respective buildings on Bindon St, Ennis and Glentworth St, Limerick.

Managing Partner, Stephen Keogh will lead the newly merged firm. The Clonlara man previously spent ten years with Dublin law firm Eversheds and Sutherland and is ex officio president of Shannon Chamber. “This is a landmark announcement for legal services in Clare and Limerick as it is the first time that two firms located in these neighbouring counties have merged,” he stated.

Keogh continued, “We are looking to strengthen each of our existing teams to compete in the new legal environment and to look towards new areas of practice. The Mid-West region has a thriving commercial market which we believe is a great fit for our firm”.