Philip O’Leary, Partner of the firm is a solicitor with over 30 years experience and specialises in commercial lending and debt recovery including all areas of corporate restructuring and insolvency.
Philip advises receivers and a majority of the major financial institutions in Ireland on all aspects of repossessed properties and recovery strategies in a large transactional arena. Philip has vast experience in successfully obtaining judgement for his creditor clients in both the High Court and Commercial Court.
Heading up the Commercial Department Philip advises financial institutions and private clients on commercial transactions and lending requirements. The firm has significant experience in commercial, corporate and high value personal borrowing and will draft and ensure customised security documentation as required whilst incorporating best practice on registration and priority to protect the client’s interest.
Philip’s focus is on result-driven outcomes with a pragmatic approach to the use of legal strategies, with an emphasis on timely outcomes and cost-benefit analysis for the client.
Philip has experience in settling commercial disputes for his clients and his aim is to achieve the best result possible for his clients whether through settlement negotiations or court proceedings.
Since January 2012, Philip has been a member of the Board of the Legal Aid Board, a statutory body with over 400 staff and a budget of over €45 million, with statutory responsibility for the good governance and supervision of the organisation. Philip chaired the Risk Management and Audit Committee which reports as necessary to the Comptroller and Auditor General’s Office.
In November 2013 Philip was appointed as a member of the Committee of Inquiry as established by the Minister for Justice under section 19[3] of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 as amended.
In November 2016 Philip was appointed Chairman of the Legal Aid Board for a five year term.
Philip’s experience of private law practice, coupled with Public Body Board membership, and supervision, adds another layer of experience and expertise to the firm. Philip’s acknowledged leadership skills as Chairman of the Legal Aid Board lends an additional counterpoint to the Firm and is always available to the expanding client base.
Philip was appointed as a board member to the Irish Banking Culture Board, an industry initiative established to rebuild trust in the banking sector and promote fair customer outcomes, by Mr. Justice John Hedigan on 15 April 2019.
Qualifications:
BCL [Hons] LLB [Hons]
To contact Philip OLeary please email: philipoleary@fitzsols.com