JW O’Donovan continues expansion acquiring Cork law firm

Continues its expansion, merging with Eamon Murray & Company

Pictured from left to right: Eamon Murray, Anne-Marie Linehan and Jerome O'Sullivan. Picture: Joleen Cronin.

Cork law firm JW O’Donovan LLP has continued its expansion drive with the amalgamation with Eamon Murray & Company Solicitors.

The deal further strengthens its position as one of Cork’s leading full-service law firms. In late 2024, J.W. O’Donovan relocated to larger offices at 27 South Mall to accommodate future growth. The combined firm will now comprise 20 solicitors and a total team of 35, representing a 40% increase in headcount. 

The firm has indicated that further expansion, whether through strategic acquisition or additional recruitment, is also likely as it continues to develop its core practice areas.

JW O’Donovan was established in 1931 and has operated throughout Ireland for more than 90 years. It provides expertise in corporate and commercial law, banking, litigation and dispute resolution, commercial and residential real estate, employment law and private client services.

The integration of Eamon Murray & Co, a Cork practice founded in 1982, enhances the firm’s capabilities in real estate, litigation and private client work, while also broadening the range of services available to existing business clients.

Anne-Marie Linehan, Managing Partner at JW O'Donovan, said: "Two years ago, we made a strategic decision to invest in larger, modern offices to create capacity for growth. This merger is a natural next step. 

Eamon Murray & Co is a highly regarded Cork firm with a long-standing reputation for integrity and strong client relationships. Their expertise complements our own and strengthens the breadth and depth of service we can offer.” 

Eamon Murray & Company has been involved in a number of landmark and high-value cases across professional negligence, personal injury and family law, including representing the successful party in the first case heard by the Supreme Court sitting outside Dublin. 

The firm also has extensive experience acting for developers and building companies.

The merger creates a broader platform across key practice areas. Clients of Eamon Murray & Co will now benefit from access to JW O’Donovan’s commercially-focused corporate and banking expertise, while JW O’Donovan further strengthens its offering in litigation, real estate and private client services.

"Our growth is driven by client need," Ms Linehan said. "By bringing together two established Cork firms with complementary strengths, we are enhancing our ability to deliver specialist expertise while maintaining the personal, relationship-focused service both firms are known for."