ABOUT US
Established in 1899 and 2011 respectively, Rollestons Solicitors and McElwee Solicitors’ client base includes companies, owner-managed businesses, farmers, banks, as well as private clients. Both firms joined to become Rolleston McElwee Solicitors LLP in late 2019. This merger represents further strategic growth.
At the time of the merger, Rolleston McElwee Solicitors LLP’ managing partner Eugene O’Connor stated as follows. Rolleston McElwee Solicitors LLP is a dynamic, client-focused, forward-thinking firm concentrating on such areas as commercial and company law, property sales and purchases, litigation, landlord and tenant law, wills and administration of estates (probate), tax, liquor licensing, intellectual property, personal injuries, litigation and agricultural/farming law.
“This merger represents further strategic growth for the firm and will allow us support our clients with additional expertise and experience and enable us to expand into new areas of legal practice whilst also concentrating on our core values, most important of which is a commitment to providing high quality and commercially focused advice to our clients.”
Rolleston McElwee Solicitor’s Managing Partner
OUR LEGAL TEAM
The members of staff include Partners Eugene O’Connor, James McElwee and Associate Solicitor Deborah Holland, together with support staff, including Joan Dobson, Ruth Emmanuel, April Cole, Catherine Brennan, Jurgita O’Reilly, Victoria Pender, Shauna Deegan, Seán Drea, Louise Keogh and Anbreena Shehzadi.
Eugene O’Connor
Partner, Solicitor and Coroner
Bio
Eugene O’Connor is the Managing Partner of Rolleston McElwee Solicitors LLP and previously was the Managing Partner of Rolleston Solicitors since 1992 until its merger with McElwee Law.
A solicitor and law graduate with 36 years post qualification experience, Eugene is experienced in all aspects of residential and commercial conveyancing, company law, transfer of undertakings and share sale and purchase transactions, equity and general litigation.
Eugene holds a Diploma in Property Tax (Law Society of Ireland) and served on the Law Society Taxation Committee.
Eugene is also an experienced coroner.
Education:
• Bachelor of Civil Law (Hons), UCD, 1980.
• Diploma In Property Tax, 1992.
Other experience:
Extensive work in corporate, litigation, agricultural and commercial matters.
James McElwee
Partner, Solicitor and Notary Public
Bio
A solicitor and commerce graduate experienced in litigation, commercial property, licensing, IP and data protection.
Acted in major acquisitions, property disputes and trademark matters.
Represented clients in High Court, Commercial Court, Circuit Court and District Court matters.
Notable experience:
• Involvement in €1.5bn examinership.
• Property and commercial litigation.
• Major trademark and licensing cases.
Deborah Holland
Associate Solicitor
Bio
Graduate of UCD (BBLS).
Practising since 2004. Member of STEP with Diploma in Trust and Estate Planning.
Experienced in Conveyancing, Probate, Wills, EPA and Personal Injury.
Deputy Coroner for County Laois.
Joan Dobson
Secretary
Bio
Joan brings over 30 years of experience with the firm, having worked across all areas of legal administration. She also serves as the main point of contact between Deborah Holland, Solicitor, and her clients, ensuring clear communication and efficient handling of matters.
Prior to joining Rollestons, Joan gained valuable experience with Peter Flanagan Solicitor, D.G. O’Donovan Solicitors in Limerick, and the Legal Department of Limerick Corporation.
She holds a Secretarial College Certificate, awarded in 1980.
Jurgita O’Reilly
Accounts
Bio
Jurgita O’Reilly has worked with McElwee Solicitors since 2019.
Currently studying with Accounting Technicians Ireland.
Has over 14 years of customer service experience.
Speaks Lithuanian and Russian.
Catherine Brennan
Accounts Manager
Bio
Catherine has worked for over forty years in Rollestons, now Rolleston McElwee Solicitors LLP, in bookkeeping and coroner’s work.
Louise Kehoe
Legal Secretary
Bio
Louise has worked at Rolleston McElwee Solicitors since 2022 and, during this time, has gained experience across a broad range of legal matters. She holds an advanced legal secretarial diploma, which enhances her work across key practice areas including conveyancing, probate, and commercial law. Louise serves as secretary to Eugene O’Connor, acting as a key point of contact between him and his clients and ensuring clear and efficient communication throughout the legal process.
Ruth Emmanuel
Legal Executive
Bio
Ruth has worked in the legal sector since 2018, both in the private and public sectors. She graduated with an Honours Bachelor Degree in Law in 2016. She has worked with International Law Firms in Dublin as well as with a Financial Regulation Body before joining the firm in 2023. Ruth works as a legal executive in our Probate, Litigation, and PIAB team.
Oisin Butler
Solicitor
Bio
Oisín joined us in March 2026, bringing valuable experience across a diverse range of legal fields . He is a solicitor who holds a First-Class Honours Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from Maynooth University and an Advanced Diploma in Advanced Legal Practice from the Law Society of Ireland . He built a strong professional foundation during his traineeship with a general practice law firm in Dublin, officially qualifying as a solicitor in January 2025 . His practical expertise spans several key practice areas, including residential conveyancing, personal injury litigation, family law
April Cole
Office Manager / Legal Associate
Bio
April Cole is the Office Manager and Legal Associate at Rolleston McElwee Solicitors LLP, serving as the main point of contact between Partner James McElwee and his clients. She manages daily office operations, holding a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Griffith College Cork, a Diploma in Leadership and Management from South East College, and an Advanced Legal Secretary qualification. April leverages her strong administrative background—originally developed during her early career as a Pharmacy Technician—to deliver reliable case coordination across the firm.
Sean Drea
Legal Assistant
Bio
Sean joined the firm in 2025 as a Legal Assistant, bringing valuable international experience and a strong academic foundation to the team. He is a graduate of the University of Galway, where he earned a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) alongside a Joint-Honours Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Law, Sociological & Political Studies. During the summer of 2025, Sean expanded his legal insight by interning with the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit in Boston, gaining direct exposure to high-profile litigation. An aspiring solicitor, Sean is currently completing his professional entrance examinations with the Law Society of Ireland.
Anbreena
Legal Associate
Bio
Anbreena joined Rolleston McElwee Solicitors in 2024. She assists the partners with legal research and preparatory work for Litigation casework, Family Law, and PIAB, and Immigration.
Anbreena has specialized experience in Immigration law, having previously served as caseworker in London where she managed complex applications. She completed her Law Degree in London and holds a Diploma Certificate in Irish Immigration Law and Practice.
Shauna Deegan
Legal Executive
Bio
Shauna joined the firm as a Legal Executive, bringing a diverse background in client care and operations. She holds her academic credentials from South East Technological University (SETU) Carlow. Prior to transitioning into the legal sector, Shauna built extensive communication and organizational skills working as a treatment coordinator in a dental practice and managing client service operations as a hospitality supervisor. She also serves as one of the main points of contact between Eugene O’Connor, Solicitor, and his clients, ensuring clear communication and the efficient progression of matters.
Cynthia Foley
Legal Assistant
Bio
Cynthia has transitioned from the Healthcare sector into Law in Ireland after over a decade of experience in healthcare and leadership in New York, United States. Cynthia has worked with us since the start of 2026, holds a Legal Executive Diploma from City Colleges (2025) She works with Coroner and the Probate team.
Graduate of Trinity College Dublin (Level 9 – PG Dip in Global Health)
Molloy College – New York, United States (BSN – Bachelor’s Degree Nursing)
City University New York – Brooklyn College, New York, United States (BA – Bachelor of Arts, Political Science)
Ready to work with our Team?
Press the button at the right to schedule a consultation today
MODERN & EFFICIENT METHODS
Rolleston McElwee Solicitors LLP are committed to delivering exceptional service to our clients and are a fully operational firm, both on site and remotely. We are client focused and aim to provide you with an efficient, friendly and affordable service.
Let’s discuss your legal issue
Our inhouse Polish speaking personnel allows to communicate with Polish speaking clients, via phone, email, video conference and face to face.
Rolleston McElwee operate a case management system and are Q6000 approved by the Institute of Legal Research and Standards.
OUR EXPERTISE
Rolleston McElwee Solicitors LLP and team have a vast amount of experience in respect of property matters, dealing both on behalf of and on the other side of state bodies. We have implemented policies in respect of Data Protection, practice management, confidentiality, GDPR and compliance with Solicitor’s accounts regulations, among other critical aspects of any client’s dealings.
Amongst work that has been carried out by the firm, includes:
- Acted in the acquisition of 39 Units at Riverside, Portarlington, Co Offaly on behalf of a developer.
- Acted in the acquisition of 38 Units at Corrig Glen, Portarlington, Co Laois on behalf of a large developer.
- Acted in a property dispute between family members relating to undue influence, misrepresentation, proprietary estoppel and adverse possession.
- Acted on behalf of a client in respect of a property dispute in respect of proprietary estoppel.
- Acted on behalf of a large business in respect of the acquisition of a garage in Portlaoise, Co Laois.
- Acted on behalf of a client in respect of the acquisition of a shopping centre in Stradbally, Co Laois.
- Acted on behalf of a client in relation to the acquisition and subsequent sale of industrial and commercial units around the country.
- Acted on behalf of various clients in relation to licensing applications, including off-licences.
- Acted on behalf of clients in relation to boundary rectification issues.
- Acted on behalf of clients in respect of EU and international trademark applications.
- Acted on behalf of clients in respect of auction sales of commercial property.
- Acquisition of pharmacy premises in Inchicore, Co Dublin.
- Sale of pharmacy premises in Waterford.
- Lease of property to OPW in Portlaoise.