Belfast firm MKB Law has announced the appointment of two new trainee solicitors, Steven Gilliland and Emma Smyth.

Mr Gilliland, who qualifies as a solicitor next month, has a law degree from Nottingham Trent University, a Masters degree from Nottingham Law School, and has completed the LPC in England.

He has completed his studies at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies (IPLS) at Queen’s University Belfast and joins MKB Law’s litigation department after completing his training contract with a Belfast city centre firm where he worked on a wide variety of defence litigation claims on behalf of major insurance companies.

Ms Smyth completed her degree in Law at Queen’s University Belfast in July 2015 and is now undertaking studies with the IPLS.

She aims to qualify as a solicitor in 2018.

Gordon McElroy, director at MKB Law, told Irish Legal News: “I wish to welcome both Steven and Emma to MKB Law.

“Steven, who will qualify within a matter of weeks, has a wealth of experience in claims and litigation, and I am delighted that he has chosen MKB Law to continue his law career.

“Emma will shortly commence her training at the law institute in Belfast, and will work alongside myself and the Commercial Law team here at MKB Law.

“As the firm continues to expand in order to support our clients’ interests, Steven and Emma will be valuable additions to our team.”