Louise Mone has taken the reins as managing director and will guide the firm through its third decade and beyond.

The other five appointees are Gerry Casey as legal services director, Carmel Ross as operations director, Kathy Ferguson as risk and compliance director, Andrew Moore as finance director and Catherine McQuade as legal technology director.

Jonathan McKeown, co-founder of JMK Solicitors, said: “Having been in business for over 21 years, and more than a decade as Northern Ireland’s number one personal injury practice, our continued growth has led us to expand our leadership team to ensure we maintain the high standards of service our clients expect and deserve.

“Our newly appointed directors collectively bring decades of extensive experience in personal injury law and litigation practice.

“Each has demonstrated outstanding skill, dedication, and a deep commitment to our firm’s mission- to improve the lives of our clients following traumatic events, achieving the best possible outcome, with the least stress.

“I look forward to the contributions of our new directors as they help drive JMK Solicitors through the challenges of providing legal services in an increasing complex and technology driven world.”

Co-founder Maurece Hutchinson added: “We are delighted to welcome our six new directors to our senior team as they take the helm in overseeing our day-to-day operations, supported by myself and Jonathan as co-founders.

“Each of our new directors brings an opportunity for a fresh perspective and approach to how JMK Solicitors interacts with our clients and our employees in the future.

“Their leadership will be instrumental in ensuring that our vision — that we are the only solicitors people think of if they need help following an injury or an accident — remains at the heart of everything we do.

“We are especially proud of the fact that four of our new executive team began working for the firm as paralegals, before they began their legal apprenticeships and careers as fully qualified solicitors.

“For all six, their belief in our client care ethos has been honed over many years and we are sure they will give our over 100 staff, enormous confidence that the company will maintain its position as one of the country’s most innovative employers.”

Ms Mone said: “Along with many committed colleagues I have worked to ensure that JMK attain and retain its enviable position as the leading personal injury law practice throughout Northern Ireland from our four offices in Belfast, Newry and Derry~Londonderry. I believe it is our very strong desire to put the needs of our clients first that has got us to that place.

“And that, in conjunction with the company’s desire to put the needs of its employees to the fore, makes me feel very honoured to be taking charge of an organisation that is making a real difference in so many ways to so many people.

“My fellow directors and I have long-term working relationships and we have great trust in each other and are looking forward to seeing what more we can achieve in the years ahead.”