2019 Law firm of the Year, Philip Lee, has announced the appointment of Jonathan Kelly as its new managing partner. He takes over the position from Philip Lee, founder of the eponymous firm who will remain as a senior partner in its regulatory, government and infrastructure practices.

Established by Philip Lee in 1993 with one secretary and one client, the firm has grown from a boutique practice to a full-service commercial law firm with offices in Dublin, London, Brussels and San Francisco, and a staff of almost 140. Clients include the Health Service Executive, Microsoft Corporation and many international and local financial institutions. Earlier this year, Philip Lee merged with McEvoy Corporate Law, enhancing the firm's corporate advisory practice and further strengthening its position in the Irish business law market.

Since joining the firm in 2002 Jonathan Kelly has led the firm's finance practice. He began his career specialising in film and television finance and helped to build its media and entertainment practice into the largest in the country.  Over the past decade he has advised the firm's clients on a range of corporate and financing transactions, with particular focus on the infrastructure, energy, media and real estate sectors.  His uniquely diverse transactional experience ranges from the financing of "Braveheart" and "Game of Thrones" to numerous PPP transactions (in sectors such as education, health and transport) to negotiating Microsoft's first corporate power purchase agreement in the Irish market.

"I am honoured to assume the role of managing partner of Philip Lee and am looking forward to playing my part in the firm's continued growth and development." said Kelly. "We are committed to maintaining an environment in which talent can flourish and all of our people can enjoy doing what they love, working together to provide a first-class service to our clients. I would like to thank Philip for his leadership, energy and vision in building a firm with such strong values and incredible skills.  He has created a distinctive business with a unique DNA in this market and internationally."

Commenting on the appointment of Jonathan Kelly as managing partner, Philip Lee said "I am immensely proud of the firm we have built.  Jonathan has been pivotal to the firm's growth and the major decisions we have taken over the years. I am confident that he will bring ambition and vision to the years ahead, helping us to achieve even greater success in the future."