Two new partners have been welcomed to Kilkenny based law firm, Poe Kiely Hogan Lanigan Solicitors LLP.
Aileen Gittens has been promoted at the firm’s ‘Surrogacy, Pathways to Parenthood and Immigration’ department and will work alongside Annette Hickey as the established surrogacy practice expands to meet growing client needs.
From Carlow, she worked as a solicitor in Dublin before joining the local team in 2023. Since then has been instrumental in advising clients pursuing international and domestic surrogacy on all aspects of the Irish legal process. Having also established the firm’s Immigration department, which Aileen continues to lead, her experience now combines specialist immigration and citizenship law expertise with expertise in surrogacy and donor-assisted human reproduction law.
While Kilkenny native Cathy Power, who previously worked in Dublin and Carlow, joined PKHL in 2024 and has now been promoted in the Property department.
This will see her build on her central involvement in wide-ranging and high value real estate and property transactions, as well as the property aspects of commercial transactions. These include acquisitions and disposals, development schemes, restructuring, secured finance, residential and agricultural conveyancing and commercial leasing.
Added to these, Julie McEvoy from Laois, has been promoted to Senior Associate in recognition of her expertise & contribution to the firm. Julie practices in the area of general litigation, specialising in medical negligence, personal injuries, and commercial litigation.
A statement from the company says “the appointments strengthen the firm’s leadership and legal expertise in surrogacy and immigration law, and property law”.
John Hickey, Managing Partner, Poe Kiely Hogan Lanigan, said; “As our clients’ needs evolve, we ensure that our people and expertise meet and surpass their requirements. Aileen and Cathy bring exceptional expertise, deep knowledge and hands-on experience. Both promotions to the partnership strengthen the breadth and depth of our services to clients, while Julie’s promotion to Senior Associate reflects the continued development of talent across the firm in key practice areas”
Aileen Gittens said; “It is a privilege to join the partnership at such a pivotal time for families navigating surrogacy, immigration and human rights issues. With the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) (Amendment) Bill still to be published, and which is expected to address outstanding important issues regarding parentage and citizenship, I am excited to help shape our practice to meet the needs of modern families as the legislative landscape in these areas continues to change”.
Cathy Power said; “I am incredibly proud to join the partnership, particularly in such a dynamic area as property law. It is testament to the support of my colleagues and strong client relationships that we have built and continue to nurture. Together with them, I look forward to growing our practice and delivering strategic advice in an evolving market and growing practice area for Poe Kiely Hogan Lanigan.”
