The new firm was created by a merger of niche commercial practice DMC Legal and long-established local practice MacAllister Keenan, which included the purchase of both client books and of the prominent office premises formerly owned by MacAllister Keenan in the town.

The directors bought out existing partners Brian Keenan and Terry MacAllister. Mr Keenan has now retired while Terry MacAllister, Kevin’s father, stays on as a consultant to the new firm. Danske Bank provided loan and overdraft facilities to help finance the deal.

Following the merger, MacAllister McAleese’s client base is geographically spread around the breadth of Northern Ireland, but also includes many clients from further afield.

Retaining dual qualification, Mr McAleese is able to service clients on business and property transactions in England and Wales as well as Northern Ireland. Mr MacAllister, an accredited solicitor advocate, specialises in court proceedings and represent clients at every court tier in the jurisdiction.

Mr McAleese said: “Kevin and I have known one another over a number of years, so we were excited by an opportunity to work together. Working in contrasting but complementary areas of legal practice, there is significant cross-over with our clients and their needs.

“We have already seen there is strong demand for MacAllister McAleese’s offering, and that providing all areas of legal advice ‘under one roof’ is a real selling point. We are able to provide clients with levels of experience normally seen in larger firms, but without the city-centre rates, and see this as a unique selling point for the firm.”

Mr MacAllister said: “My late grandfather, James L MacAllister, started practicing law over 70 years ago and I’m honoured to be able to carry on the family tradition of providing legal services to the local community and beyond. I’m delighted to have formed this new practice with David.

“The formation of MacAllister McAleese will provide continuity to our existing clients whilst also creating opportunities for the practice to grow and develop by offering a full range of legal services to clients throughout Northern Ireland and beyond.”

Aaron Ennis, head of North Business Centre at Danske Bank, said: “We’re focused on helping Northern Ireland grow again and are pleased to have supported David and Kevin as they set up their new solicitors’ practice, maintaining the strong generational link we had with the previous firm under Kevin’s father.

“It is a positive development for the local area and we look forward to seeing the firm continue to thrive in future.”