Carlow woman appointed Partner of major law firm 'excited' to help shape practice

Carlow woman Aileen Gittens has been appointed as Partner of a major law firm based in Co Kilkenny. 

Poe Kiely Hogan Lanigan Solicitors LLP has welcomed the Carlow native, along with Cathy Power, who was made Partner also. These appointments strengthen the firm’s leadership and legal expertise in surrogacy and immigration law as well as property law.   

Ms Gittens has been promoted to Partner at the firm’s ‘Surrogacy, Pathways to Parenthood and Immigration’ department. She will work alongside Annette Hickey as the firm’s established surrogacy practice expands to meet growing client needs.

Since joining Poe Kiely Hogan Lanigan in 2023, Aileen 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.

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The Carlow woman also worked as a solicitor in Dublin for a number of years prior to joining the firm.  

Cathy Power has been promoted to Partner in the firm’s Property department. Since joining in 2024, she has been centrally involved in wide-ranging and high-value real estate and property transactions, as well as the property aspects of commercial transactions. 

From Kilkenny, Cathy trained and worked with a leading Dublin commercial law firm and subsequently worked in Carlow before moving to Poe Kiely Hogan Lanigan.

In addition, Julie McEvoy has been promoted to Senior Associate, recognising her expertise and contribution to the firm. Originally from County Laois, Julie practices in the area of general litigation, specialising in medical negligence, personal injuries, and commercial litigation.

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, Partner, Surrogacy, Pathways to Parenthood & Immigration team, 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, Partner, Property team, 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.”