Belfast- and Newry-based firm JMK Solicitors is set to recruit 10 new staff members this year as part of an ambitious new £1 million three-year business development plan.

The firm will expand its team of 45 to 55 by the end of 2016, while also ramping up investment in career development, IT and marketing.

The company, founded in 2003, handled a record 1,290 personal injury cases from clients across Northern Ireland last year - the largest volume by any law firm that year.

Managing director Maurece Hutchinson, said: “The work we have completed and the clients we represent speak for themselves in clearly illustrating the firm’s ability and quality of service and it is a testament to our dedication to ensure that every client fully and fairly recovers their losses with the least possible stress.”

The firm has helped clients recover more than £100 million in compensation in cases including personal injuries claims, road traffic accidents and medical incidents, accidents at work and injuries abroad.

Jonathan McKeown, chair of the firm, added: “Our investment in new talent is central to a strategy that places experience and commitment at the heart of our plans for growth.

“Our specialist knowledge in these areas, years of working successfully for those in need of advice after an accident or injury has led to an increasing demand for our services and we are delighted to be able to make this significant investment in the local economy.”

The first of a suite of new products and services is due to be unveiled by the firm next month.