Specialist Financial Planning for Irish Solicitors

Tailored wealth strategies to help you build, protect, and enjoy your financial future.

Tailored Advice for Busy Legal Professionals

Holistic Financial Planning

Covering pensions, investments, protection insurance and tax advice for Solicitors.

Tax-Efficient Strategies

Structure your earnings, bonuses, and firm profits for maximum tax relief and long-term gain.

Income Protection & Life Cover

Safeguard your lifestyle and dependents with products suited to solicitors’ income sources.

Investment Portfolio Design

We help you grow wealth through diversified portfolios, including ethical or low-risk options.

PRSA (Personal Retirement Savings Account)

A flexible, individual pension plan with “a death in service benefit”

Succession & Exit Advice

Plan your future exit from practice or partnership with clear, confident financial steps.

Meet the Team

Michael

MICHAEL COBURN

Pension, Tax & Investment Specialist
Michael has been providing pension, tax, investment, and financial advice to his clients since 2005. He has an in-depth understanding of Business Owners and their requirements, which allows him to identify and implement tax efficient solutions that allow his clients to effectively plan for retirement. He is constantly upskilling himself in the ever-changing world of Pensions and Tax, which is reflected in his many qualifications.Outside of work Michael is a keen cyclist and swimmer. He also keeps himself very busy supporting his 3 children in their own pursuits, both sporting and academic, and he also coaches juvenile GAA Football Teams.Qualifications:
  • QFA (Qualified Financial Advisor)
  • FLIA (Fellow of the Life Assurance Association of Ireland)
  • LCOI (Licentiate of the Compliance Officers of Ireland)
  • RPA (Retirement Planning Advisor)
  • SIA (Specialist Investment Advisor)
  • BBS (Bachelor of Business Studies)
Jim

Jim Doyle

Owner & Director

Jim Doyle brings over 30 years of experience in financial and client advisory services. A qualified Accountant and Financial & Investment Advisor, Jim has built a career grounded in trust, expertise, and a deep commitment to client success.

Before founding his own accountancy practice in 2002, Jim held key accounting roles in multinational companies including Kerry Group and GlaxoSmithKline, both in Ireland and the UK. This diverse background has equipped him with a broad perspective and a practical understanding of both corporate and personal finance.

Jim specialises in tax and pension planning, using his extensive knowledge to deliver tailored, high-quality financial solutions. His approach is client-focused, ensuring that each individual or business receives advice that is both strategic and personal.

A passionate advocate for lifelong learning, Jim is dedicated to staying at the forefront of the financial industry and sharing that knowledge with clients and peers alike.

Outside of work, Jim keeps active playing tennis and proudly supports his three sons in their hurling and Gaelic football championships—interests that reflect his strong connection to community and family.

Qualifications:

  • QFA (Qualified Financial Advisor)
  • ACMA (Chartered Management Accountant)
  • CGMA (Chartered Global Management Accountant)

Joanne Fenelon

Communications Manager

Joanne has been with us since 2010. She has over 25 years experience in Customer Relations, Sales and Marketing in the business to business sector. Joanne, having being self employed understands the everyday challenges that business owners face and enjoys talking to several business owners every week to see if we can support them and make their financial situation better.

 

If you are contacting Guardian Wealth for the first time, chances are Joanne will be the first voice you hear. Joanne is responsible for all of our Marketing activity and also acts as a point of contact for our clients.

Outside of work Joanne enjoys swimming and walking her doggie “Jupi” singing in a community choir and supporting her local hurling team and Wexford Senior Teams. Joanne is passionate about her community and works with Wexford County Council to get funding for projects that benefit the community.

Qualifications:

  • Diploma in HR
  • Higher Certificate in Digital Marketing
  • Higher Certificate in Supervisory Managemen

Kelly Keane

Financial Advisor
Kelly provides administrative support and advice to the clients of Guardian Wealth. She has over 9 years of experience in the financial services industry, working with various investment products and platforms as an administrator and analyst. If you are an existing or new client of Guardian Wealth, Kelly will be figuring out the best solution for you. She is currently studying for her diploma in financial planning. Kelly thrives on learning which is so important for our industry. Away from the desk, Kelly is driven by an active lifestyle – whether that’s hiking new trails, pushing herself in Hyrox training, or cheering on her favorite Formula 1 team. Dogs are also a big part of Kelly’s life and keep her moving every day. Qualifications:
  • QFA
  • BBA Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting and Business

Evan Rowan

Financial Administrator
Evan has an established career across the Finance sector, primarily within the funds industry. Evan thrives on continuous education and doing the very best for our clients.Evan is currently undertaking the QFA exams and is set to become an APA (Accredited Product Advisor) in the coming months.Outside of work, Evan enjoys biking, DIY projects, gardening, and spending time with his family. He is always building, growing, or making memories. Evan brings that same hands-on curiosity and creativity to everything he does.Qualifications:
  • BBS (Bachelor of Business & Management)

Testimonials

See How We’ve Helped Other Solicitors

Client Journey Overview

What to Expect When You Work With Us

Initial Discovery Call

Understanding your needs, income sources, financial goals and revenue reliefs that apply to your situation.

0 1

Strategy Session

0 2

Overview of your situation and present you with a one page tax and pension plan.

Implementation & Monitoring

When discussed and agreed we will implement the plan, and regularly review progress with you.

0 3

FAQs

What type of pension is best for me as a solicitor — PRSA, Executive Pension, or Personal Pension?
It depends on how you are structured
  • Self-employed / Partners in practice: Personal Pension or PRSA.
  • Employed solicitors as Directors in incorporated practices: Executive Pension (company-paid) or PRSA pensions are flexible but have contribution limits, while Executive Pensions allow for higher company contributions, there are also other revenue rules that apply here. A combination of both is also an option depending on your situation. Feel free to call us on 01 5267770 for more information on this.

If you’re self-employed, you contribute personally and get income tax relief. If you’re incorporated, the company can make contributions (deductible against Corporation Tax).

Generally, yes — 60 is the standard minimum access age. Some exceptions are:
  • Certain occupational pensions allow from 50 (with conditions).
  • Ill-health early retirement may allow earlier access.

Most of our Solicitor clients choose an ARF, because it keeps the money invested and allows flexibility of drawdowns. An annuity is a guaranteed income for life, depending on your annuity rate, it often provides lower returns with no inheritance benefit.

You can usually take 25% tax-free, up to €200,000 (lifetime limit). Amounts between €200k–€500k are taxed at 20%.

By investing in multi-asset funds (mix of global equities, bonds, alternatives, infrastructure, ESG funds). This spreads risk across sectors and geographies.

For most solicitors:
  • Maximise pension contributions first (most tax-efficient).
  • Use ARFs in retirement for flexibility and inheritance planning.
  • Get tax advice on how to balance pension, investments, and estate planning together.

Important Warnings

Get in Touch