Carson McDowell saw its turnover increase by 25 per cent to £13.5 million in 2016 following a successful year across all business areas, the firm has announced.

The firm’s pre-tax profits in the 12 months to 30 April 2016 increased by 14 per cent to £6.9 million, driven by growing confidence in the Northern Ireland economy and an increase in both corporate transactions and dispute resolution business.

Carson McDowell also increased its headcount over the year, with staff numbers now standing at 150, including 87 lawyers.

The firm expanded in each department, with highlights including the appointment of a new licensing partner and the addition of litigation work formerly carried out by McCloskeys Solicitors.

Commenting on the firm’s 2016 results, Michael Johnston, managing partner of Carson McDowell, said: “In the past five years we have seen a very pleasing increase in the firm’s turnover. It reflects Carson McDowell’s ongoing commitment to recruiting and growing top quality talent, an investment which we believe will stand our clients and the firm in good stead for the future.

“Our lawyers have been involved in several major transactions and legal cases in the past year, with regional, national and international clients relying on our expertise. The latest set of figures reflect the marked increase in M&A activity which took place in the first half of 2016 and the firm continues to be instructed to work on some of the largest deals taking place in Northern Ireland.

“While there may be some economic uncertainty on the horizon this year, both locally and globally, we are looking forward to 2017 with optimism.”