About Leahy Wade Solicitors

Hilary O'Connor

Principal of Maurice Leahy Wade & Co

Hilary O’Connor graduated with an LLB (Hons) Bachelor of Law Degree in 2000 and qualified as a Solicitor in 2005. She joined Maurice Leahy Wade in 2008 after three years in general practice in County Mayo. Hilary worked alongside Maurice for eight years and took over as principal of the firm in 2017.

She is an accredited Mediator with the International Mediation Institute.

Hilary is also a holder of a Diploma in Employment Law and represents both employers and employees in all fora. She also represents clients in the area of Medical Negligence and Family Law.

Hilary brings a calm voice of experience for clients in what can be stressful contentious issues.

Emma Thunder

Solicitor

Emma joined Maurice Leahy Wade and Company in 2018, having previously headed up a busy Conveyancing department in south Dublin. She has worked primarily in the area of Conveyancing since 2006, and qualified as a solicitor in 2012.

Emma’s primary degree is Business Management and was awarded the prestigious Department of Management Award in 2006. She has also been honoured with an award from the Law Society for her examination performance.

Emma has a passion for property law and her client’s best interest are always her number one focus. Emma works alongside Deirdre to ensure that the client receives the best possible service and is kept continuously informed. Her aim is to make the process as seamless and stress free as possible for clients.

Emma also looks after all Wills and Probate matters.

Rachel Hill

Solicitor

Rachel graduated from the University of Hull with a LLB (Hons) Bachelor of Law degree in 1988. She undertook her Solicitor Final Examinations at Christleton Law College, Chester, England, qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales in 1992. Following a move to Ireland she was admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in the Republic of Ireland 2015.

She has worked primarily in the area of personal injury litigation throughout her legal career. She commenced her legal career in a large Defendant Personal Injury Practice in the UK acting on behalf of Insurers in the defence of Personal Injury Claims.

Within two years of qualifying she had made the move to representing Plaintiffs in personal Injury/medical negligence actions. She has acted on behalf of individuals ranging from those who sustained relatively minor injuries to those who have suffered traumatic amputation or who have sustained serious head injury. More recently, she has been acted on behalf of clients who have sustained personal injury as a consequence of defective metal on metal hip implants.

Sharon Delaney

Office Manager

We were delighted when Sharon joined Maurice Leahy Wade & Co. in 2018 as Office Manager. With over 20 years of experience as a Senior Bookkeeper and Office Manager in both the legal and retail sector, Sharon skilfully manages administrative duties and client relations for her colleagues. She is IPASS Certified and also has many years’ experience working within the ACI framework.

As Office Manager, Sharon is the first point of contact clients have with our firm and she ensures the smooth operation of the firm with her extensive knowledge of office management and prompt handling of client queries.

Nicola McGrath

Litigation and Medical Negligence Executive

Nicola joined Maurice Leahy Wade Co in 2016 and has over twenty years experience in general practice.

Nicola assists Hilary O’Connor in the areas of Litigation, Medical Negligence and Family Law.

Deirdre Hannaford

Property Legal Executive

Deirdre joined Maurice Leahy Wade and Company in 2018. She has many years’ experience in dealing with conveyancing files, in particular assisting with residential sales and purchases. She has a valuable array of expertise and knowledge in residential and commercial transactions and qualified as a Legal Executive from Griffith College in 2004. Deirdre began her career in Swords many years ago before moving into a large city practice in the latter years, and has invaluable local knowledge.

Deirdre works closely alongside Emma on all conveyancing matters and is a vital member of the Conveyancing team.

Emma Andrews

Legal Secretary

Emma joined the team in 2019. She was awarded a diploma in Executive Personal Assistant/Legal Secretary from the Pitman Training Centre. Emma works in the areas of Probate, Enduring Powers of Attorney, Wills and Litigation alongside Rachel Hill. Emma’s customer service centred background shines through in everything she does.

Away from work Emma enjoys reading and playing piano.

Maurice Leahy (Deceased)

Founding principal 1988 -2016

Maurice Leahy was the founding Principal Solicitor of Maurice Leahy & Co in Killester which he set up in 1988 having worked for a number of years in private practice.

Maurice acquired Wade & Co and moved to Swords in 2001. Maurice worked in all areas of property law and in contentious litigation. He relished general practice because of it’s diverse nature and enjoyed meeting people of all hues.

His ease and confidence with people was reassuring for clients who knew he had their best interests at heart. Maurice epitomised integrity. His great sense of justice meant that he took on more than a few battles, just because it was the right thing to do – even when the clients might not be in a position to afford the legal costs. Maurice worked tirelessly for his clients right up until he passed away in April 2016. We miss him greatly and try to do justice to his legacy of integrity every day.

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