Kevin Houlihan, an experienced solicitor who founded his own practice in 1981, will continue to work as a consultant for the combined firm.

Susanna Cawley, managing partner of Coonan Cawley Solicitors, said: “We are honoured that Kevin has chosen to merge his practice with us. Kevin has agreed to work with us on a consultancy basis.

“We believe this merger will ensure business continuity for his valued clients and we look forward to providing the highest calibre of legal advice to these clients in an environment where quality of service, efficiency and responsiveness are of paramount importance.

“We believe this merger will bolster our existing expertise and network of connections and provide synergies of business which will be of benefit to both our new and existing clients.”