Northern Ireland’s largest independent law firm, Carson McDowell, has today announced the appointment of five new partners.

The appointment of Mary-Kim Doherty, Peter Guzhar, Grant McBurney, Olivia O’Kane and Kerry Teahan as partners brings the firm’s total headcount to over 150 staff, including 29 partners.

Ms O’Kane graduated with a first class honours degree from QUB in 2004 and qualified as a solicitor in 2006 from the Institute of Professional Legal Studies (IPLS). She later qualified as a solicitor advocate in September 2012. Her extensive Court of Appeal work includes privacy, data protection, anonymity and super injunctions.

Ms Teahan, a recent recruit, specialises in public procurement, advising on all aspects of the tender and contracting process.

Mr McBurney has been a member of the firm’s planning and environmental law team since 2005. He is one of few Northern Ireland solicitors to specialise exclusively in planning and environmental law.

Ms Doherty joined in 2002 as a solicitor apprentice while obtaining professional qualification at the IPLS. She joined the commercial property team on qualifying in 2004, acting on behalf of developers, companies and public bodies in site assembly and disposal.

Mr Guzhar, who also joined the firm in 2002, works closely with partner Declan Magee in areas of commercial litigation and employers’ and public liability. He has gained experience across a broad spectrum of disciplines including intellectual property disputes and licensing law.

The firm also announced that “a number of solicitors” have been promoted to associate and senior associate level.

Michael Johnston, managing partner of Carson McDowell, said: “I would like to congratulate all those who have received a promotion, particularly those who have become partners. Carson McDowell has a long history of recognising and rewarding our colleagues who go above and beyond and we remain committed to retaining and appointing the brightest and the best in the legal profession.

“I would also like to welcome Kerry to the firm. We know that her experience in procurement will be a great asset to our clients.”