DUBLIN LAW firms Sherwin O'Riordan (SOR), Mullany Solicitors and Brendan Walsh & Partners have agreed a three-way merger, creating a new firm with annualised revenues understood to be €3.75 million.

The combined practice will trade as SOR Mullany Walsh Solicitors. James Sherwin, managing partner of the new business, said the merger was a logical step to take in the current economic environment.

"The market is not great," Mr Sherwin said. "Therefore, a consolidation like this is ahead of its times in many respects in that we're consolidating our practices and making sure that our clients get a better service.

"There's more access to expertise really. That's the key to it all. The most efficient way to do that is to marry practices as long as they fit together."

SOR Mullany Walsh will position itself as a medium-sized firm, with expertise in corporate, commercial and employment law, as well as litigation, commercial property and private client services.

Mr Sherwin, a former partner at legal firm Lennon Heather, formed SOR about six years ago with David O'Riordan, formerly of BCM Hanby Wallace.

Mr O'Riordan will lead the new firm's litigation and employment law division. Mr Sherwin will lead the corporate and commercial division with Conor Mullany, founder of Mullany Solicitors.

Cara Walsh, currently partner in Brendan Walsh & Partners, will be in charge of private client services. That company's founder, Brendan Walsh, is Dublin city sheriff.

Separately, law firm William Fry has announced the appointment of eight new partners and nine associates. The firm employs more than 400 staff.