County Down firm Murlands Solicitors have announced the appointment of Millicent Tate and John O’Prey as partners, in recognition of their dedication to the success of the business.

The pair join in partnership with Alan Reid, Eileen McLarnon, Aidan Donnelly and Ronnie Lowry, marking a new era for the firm.

Founded in 1832 in Downpatrick as James Murland & Company, Murlands is one of the longest-established legal practices in Northern Ireland, with offices in Downpatrick, Ballynahinch and Carryduff.

Ms Millicent joined Murlands in 2003 and has over 16 years of legal experience, specialising in residential and agricultural conveyancing.

She said: “I am truly pleased to have been appointed as Partner in Murlands. Since joining the practice several years ago, I have always endeavoured to provide a high level of personal service and have established good relationships with a variety of clients from trustees of churches, clubs and societies to first time buyers and clients living on the other side of the world.

“Coming from a farming background, I have a particular interest in agricultural law and enjoy working for local farming clients.

“I have acquired a wealth of experience and knowledge in conveyancing working in Murlands and I would like to pay tribute for that to both my colleague and present Senior Partner Alan Reid and our highly esteemed late Senior Partner Barry Finlay whose knowledge and experience imparted to me has been invaluable to my career.”

Mr O’Prey joined Murlands in 2004 and specialises in elderly client law, including wills, administration of estate, trusts, and capacity issues.

He said: “I would like to echo Millicent’s comments and am delighted to have been appointed as Partner in Murlands. Living in the local area and having developed established client relationships over the past thirteen years enables me to continue to offer a truly personal and consistent level of service to all of the clients of the firm within my particular area of expertise of trusts, wills, estate and elderly client law.”

Alan Reid, senior partner at the firm, said: “We very much welcome the addition of Millicent and John to the partnership as representing another important milestone in the progression of Murlands.”