Norville Connolly, a solicitor with Fisher Mullan Solicitors in Newry, received his award at the Visit Belfast Ambassador Awards ceremony at the Ulster Museum in Belfast.

Mr Connolly is the Law Society’s International Bar Association representative and has been instrumental in promoting the legal profession.

He is credited with helping to secure events such as the International Bar Leaders’ Conference and midyear meeting, to be held in Belfast in May 2017.

The conference is widely considered an important event in the international law calendar and will attract up to 500 delegates for four days, worth an estimated £800k boost to the local economy.

Arleen Elliot, president of the Law Society, said: “We are delighted that Norville has been recognised for his ongoing work and commitment in showcasing Northern Ireland and its legal profession to international audiences.”