Managing director Jonathan Forrester said he was delighted with the accolade on the eve of the commercial law firm’s 125th year in business.

He said: “The Legal 500 Awards are amongst the most prestigious out there for our profession. The awards are given to the elite legal practitioners, based on the most comprehensive research into the UK legal market.

“This is a real tribute to the energy, talent and professionalism of our growing team and is particularly fitting as it comes on the eve of our 125th year in business.”

Cleaver Fulton Rankin is listed by The Legal 500 as one of just a few “key players” among Northern Ireland practices. It was ranked in the top Tier in three practice areas and in Tier 2 in a further nine areas. Eight of the firm’s directors have been rated “leading individual”.

Mr Forrester added: “Whilst we celebrate our 125th anniversary we are determined to maintain our exciting strategic development of recent years. These results provide further evidence that Cleaver Fulton Rankin is a firm with industry-leading expertise.

“Our continual focus upon our clients’ objectives and a strong commercial awareness has helped drive the growth of our business in recent years.

“Personal recommendations for so many of our directors and solicitors as well as top rankings in so many areas reflect our on-going dedication and commitment to focusing upon the client and our legal service.”