John Guerin has become the president of the Law Society of Northern Ireland, launching his presidency with a pledge to keep the Society at the forefront of justice issues in Northern Ireland.

Outgoing president Arleen Elliott is staying on as senior vice president, while Ian Huddleston joins the presidential and chief executive team as junior vice president. Alan Hunter will remain in his role as chief executive.

Mr Guerin said: “I am delighted and honoured to become the 91st President of the Law Society of Northern Ireland. As President I will work to ensure that the Law Society remains at the very forefront of justice issues in Northern Ireland working on behalf of our members and in the public interest.”

Mr Guerin, a solicitor advocate and a partner with BLM since its merger with Campbell Fitzpatrick solicitors, specialises in defence litigation for insurance companies, employment law, and professional disciplinary and regulatory work.

He was chairman of the Belfast Solicitors’ Association in 2007 before being elected to the Council of the Law Society in 2009, serving as chair of its human rights and client complaints committees as well as the policy, access to justice and legal regulation review committees.

Mr Guerin has chosen Clic Sargent as his charity of the year.