Nikita Kelly and Dermot McClean Recognised in Business Plus 40 Under 40: Commercial Law

Overview

Nikita Kelly, Employment Solicitor, and Dermot McClean, Litigation & Dispute Resolution Partner, have been recognised by Business Plus magazine in the inaugural 40 Under 40 Commercial Law.

The Business Plus initiative recognises and highlights rising young stars making their way in the commercial legal sector in Ireland. The 40 Under 40 provides recognition and visibility for emerging legal leaders, positioning them among Ireland’s most promising professionals across the wider business community.

Nikita Kelly, Employment Solicitor

Nikita Kelly is a Solicitor in the Employment team at Lavelle Partners LLP, where she advises on all aspects of employment law, covering both disputes and day-to-day employment matters.

She studied law at the University of Galway before joining the firm in 2016, gaining valuable experience working across Lavelle Partners’ Employment, Litigation & Dispute Resolution and Corporate & Commercial teams, before qualifying as a solicitor in 2020.

Kelly supports employers and employees at all stages of the employment relationship, offering clear and practical advice.

She works with both commercial and private clients, helping draft, review and negotiate contracts of employment and severance agreements, as well as assisting with workplace policies and procedures.

Kelly advises on bullying and harassment, grievances, discrimination, disciplinary matters, investigations, redundancies and whistleblowing and protected disclosures.

She represents clients before the Workplace Relations Commission and the Civil Courts across a broad range of employment matters.

Kelly is adept at advising clients in mediation, helping to resolve complex workplace disputes in a constructive way and has a strong background in handling contractual claims and risk management.

Apart from her legal know-how, it is her utmost professionalism, exceptional commitment and empathetic client-centric approach that sets Kelly apart.

Clients praise Kelly for her “attention to detail, strategic approach, and clear, concise communication skills” describing her as “compassionate and dedicated”, “incredibly approachable”, and “with a strong working knowledge of Employment law”.

One grateful client noted that “Nikita’s professionalism, thoroughness, lucidity, candidness and trustworthiness were truly remarkable”.

Kelly also provides employment law advice and support on a range of Corporate & Commercial transactions.

• Hobbies: To switch off, I enjoy going hiking. One of my favourite places to hike is Ravensdale Forest in Co. Louth. I live very close to it, and the views are outstanding. When I’m not outdoors, I also enjoy baking.

• Best Piece of Advice ever Received: “There is no such thing as a silly question”. This is something that was said to me during my training contract that stuck with me. Asking questions is a fundamental part of learning and understanding, curiosity should be encouraged rather than judged.

• Why you Love your Job: People spend a large part of their day at work, so it’s natural for them to become deeply invested in what they do. I enjoy meeting new clients, understanding their jobs, and helping them navigate workplace challenges, whether it’s handling an unexpected job change or resolving a difficult situation at work.

• Motto for Life: "You get out what you put in”.

Read about Nikita Kelly in Business Plus

Dermot McClean, Litigation & Dispute Resolution Partner

Dermot McClean is a Partner in the Litigation & Dispute Resolution team at Lavelle Partners LLP, where he specialises in commercial litigation, corporate restructuring and insolvency matters.

He studied law at Trinity College Dublin and joined the firm in 2015 as a Trainee Solicitor, progressing through the ranks, from Solicitor to Senior Associate and, in 2025, to Partner, reflecting his strong performance and commitment to excellence.

At Lavelle Partners, McClean advises on a wide range of disputes, including corporate restructuring work and high-profile insolvency cases, as well as defamation, estate disputes, insurance disputes and professional negligence litigation.

His clients include commercial and private clients, banks, financial institutions and insolvency practitioners.

McClean’s role in delivering strategic, practical legal solutions contributes to the firm’s well-known reputation for providing high-quality dispute resolution and restructuring advice.

Clients praise McClean for being “enthusiastic, driven, knowledgeable and intuitive” and describe him as “considered and calm in litigation which is a great attribute”.

• Hobbies: Every year I follow the Wexford hurling team all around the country, a journey that unfortunately always ends in heartbreak! In my downtime, I enjoy reading, consuming a lot of sport on TV, listening to podcasts, and staying active.

• Best Piece of Advice ever Received: At some stage in the mid-1990s my sister told me I should support Man United because they are the best. It was great advice, to a point! I am also grateful to my school career guidance counsellor who recommended a career in law.

• Why you Love your Job: Over the years I have worked on some fascinating cases, with some really interesting clients. Achieving results for clients, especially those in difficult situations is always extremely satisfying.

• Motto for Life: Whatever motto or creed has got me this far in life, was recently upended by the birth of my son Teddy last year. Having a child has put everything in perspective, and also provides motivation in every aspect of life.

Read about Dermot McClean in Business Plus

Business Plus 40 Under 40 Commercial Law

The Irish publication Business Plus magazine have run a series of successful 40 Under 40 programmes across Accountancy, PR and Marketing, with the focus now on Commercial Law.

The 40 Under 40 Law initiative spotlights exceptional emerging talent, recognising individuals who are already making a measurable impact within their firms and across the profession.

Business Plus is Ireland’s largest circulation monthly business magazine which commenced publishing in 1998. The magazine is published ten times a year and specialises in covering the activities of Irish companies and those based in Ireland.

Read about the 40 Under 40 Law in Business Plus