The Law Society of Northern Ireland has welcomed Ian Huddleston as its new president.

Mr Huddleston said: “It is a privilege and an honour to take up the presidency of the Law Society of Northern Ireland.

“During my Presidency I will seek to promote the solicitor profession and the important role it plays to the economy and significant contribution it makes to the community in Northern Ireland.

“I will work to ensure that the Law Society remains at the forefront of justice issues in Northern Ireland working on behalf of our members and in the public interest.”

Mr Huddleston, who studied law at Queen’s University Belfast before undertaking a Master’s in commercial law at Bristol University, was admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in Northern Ireland in 1991 and subsequently to the Roll of solicitors in England and Wales in 2010.

He was heavily involved in the management of L‘Estrange & Brett prior to its mergers.

Mr Huddleston advises on all aspects of real estate law with a particular emphasis on complex development work and the development of strategic property solutions for public and private sector clients.

He also advises private clients and business owners on the structuring of their assets and the use of corporates, trusts and partnerships as part of that and to deal with succession issues.

Mr Huddleston has an interest in legal education and is the outgoing chair of the Law Society’s education committee, although he remains a member and also sits on the Council of Legal Education.

He is a member of the Global Council of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners and a committee member of the NI branch.

He is a board member of a number of large companies and charities, including Giving NI, which encourages encourage philanthropy in Northern Ireland. His chosen charity of the year is Marie Curie.