The new firm specialises in advisory, litigation and commercial law with a specific focus on the banking and financial sector, family business, public utility, defence litigation and semi-State, while continuing to offer general legal services.

All three firms which have merged into Galvin Donegan LLP have a rich heritage in commercial and general practice in Cork dating back to the mid-1800s.

Donnchadha Murphy, managing partner of the new firm, said: “I am delighted to announce the merger of three of the finest law firms in Munster.

“We are excited about the new venture and believe that our clients will ultimately be the main benefactors of our combined expertise and experience. Individually, we all had our specialist areas particularly working with public, private and corporate clients but together, we can now demonstrate real strength and depth.”

David Donegan, Paul Clune and Barry Galvin will serve as partners in the new firm, which already employs over 35 people in its new office at 91 South Mall, Cork.

Mr Donegan said: “As firms, we were all very successful in our own rights. But the reality of today’s environment is that in order for us to achieve our ambitions to serve our clients, we require a larger platform from which we can grow.

“I greatly admire each of the solicitors that are now part of the Galvin Donegan firm and am pleased that we were able to come together to form a new force in the Irish legal sector.”

Mr Clune said: “One of the key factors that made the merger attractive to me was the combined ethos of putting our clients front and centre and ensuring we deliver the highest professional standards. Another factor is the culture of transparency that we have already begun to foster; I believe this is crucially important in building client relationships and our reputation.”

Mr Galvin said: “I have been very fortunate to have the career that I have but the landscape is evolving and we need to evolve with it. I am delighted that this new partnership has now formed which I believe puts us in a unique position.”