Philip Lee LLP maintains a strong position in the housing sector, with investors, developers, public bodies and government agencies regularly turning to the firm for assistance with property, development, landlord and tenant, and real estate finance mandates. Leading the group is John O’Donoghue, who routinely advises large and private clients on a variety of complex commercial, residential property and leasing mandates. Tom Conway is involved in investment and real estate finance work, acting across a broad range of asset classes, while Eimear Fitzgibbon‘s well-established client base includes both international and domestic clients, particularly large institutional clients. Michael Navy has strong property asset management expertise. Joseph Stanley joined the firm in September 2025 from Eversheds Sutherland.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Harry O'Malley is a pleasure to work with, he has in depth knowledge of Real Estate and successfully closed a number of deals on our behalf.'
- ‘A personal approach to execution of contracts from initial Heads Of Terms to completion of legal contract. Collaboration is paramount & is executed in a positive, professional manner.’
- ‘John O Donoghue, Thomas O Malley, Joe Stanley & John Kerins all have stand out personal & professional attributes which make the execution of legal contracts a smooth process & a pleasure to do business with.’
- ‘This practice is very much a hands-on organisation and the partners are very approachable and available when needed.’
- ‘Harry O’Malley and John O'Donoghue are the two individuals I would have the most contact with within the practice - both are exceptionally punctual when responding to a query and I feel like they really have our company’s interest when resolving a legal issue, no matter how trivial or complex. Harry is available way over and above what you could consider acceptable, I couldn’t recommend him highly enough.’
- ‘The team at Philip Lee are highly professional and very easy to engage with. We work with them over a number of different departments, and they communicate very effectively and efficiently with us at all times. We have found them to be trustworthy, supportive and open in all our dealings, which has helped form a great working relationship.’
Key clients
- Housing Agency / Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
- Corrib Oil Ireland Limited
- Power Capital Renewable Energy
- Galway City Council
- O’Flynn Group
- Cairn Homes plc
- Apleona Ireland Limited
- Dres
- Ardcairn Capital DAC
- Allied Irish Banks. p.l.c.
- Carysfort Capital/Angelo Gordon
- Shannon Airport DAC
Work highlights
Advised the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Housing Agency in relation to the establishment of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant which is a key pillar of the Government’s Housing for All plan in order to bring older, vacant residential properties back into use.
Acting for Corrib Oil Ireland Limited on various acquisitions and transfer of lands across a number of key strategic counties in Ireland, and advising on the refinancing arrangements with Bain Capital and Close Brothers.
Advising Power Capital Renewable Energy in relation to the property and planning aspects of its potential sale for approximately €400m.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
John O’Donoghue
Other key lawyers
Tom Conway; Eimear Fitzgibbon; Michael Navy; Harry O'Malley; Thomas O'Malley; John Kerins; Joseph Stanley