Historic Newry-based firms DNDLAW and S C Connolly & Co to merge

Newry-based solicitor firms Donnelly Neary & Donnelly (DNDLAW) and S C Connolly & Co are set to merge with effect from 1 March 2018.

The two firms have branch offices in Dublin, Co Down, Co Tyrone and Co Armagh, but have a particularly strong historic link with Newry.

DNDLAW traces its first year in practice in Newry to 1901, and S C Connolly & Co to 1914.

Kevin Neary, director of DNDLAW, told Irish Legal News that the firms intend to “retain both practice names for the benefit of our valued family clients, many of whom have been with us for generations”.

Both firms will be headquartered in 1 Downshire Road, Newry.

Mr Neary added: “We are delighted to be able to bring an enhanced service to our clients with the expansion of the team of lawyers in the Newry office to seven practising solicitors.

“In addition we have other offices in Newry, Portadown, Armagh and shortly Dungannon which trade under their historic names as well.

“In all, throughout the law group by the end of the year, we will have 20 solicitors offering an unparalleled range of experience as well as specialist expertise for a firm from outside of Belfast.

“We see the future of legal practice in regional towns in Northern Ireland will be best served by larger firms with local knowledge of the clients of their firm but with access to a modern IT and a specialist knowledge base.

“The merger of these two firms and their location at 1 Downshire Road in Newry gives us the opportunity to secure for the future the quality of service that our clients require and deserve.

“This is an exciting time for us all and we are looking forward to working together and building a bigger better firm.”