The Ballynahinch solicitor began his career as an assistant to the late Samuel Hamilton from an office at 2 Dromore Street and later from Church Street. He then went into partnership with Mr Hamilton on 1 April 1980, practicing as Hamilton & Millar Solicitors. Following Mr Hamilton’s retirement in 1983, he remained the sole principal of Hamilton & Millar Solicitors from then until his retirement this year.

Reflecting on his time as a solicitor, Mr Millar said: “41 years is a long time. I have seen huge changes in legal practice and procedure throughout that time. The development of modern IT has transformed in many respects the way in which solicitors work nowadays.

“However, the importance of a close and trusting relationship with clients, focusing on the delivery of sound and independent legal advice is as central to the solicitor’s role now as it was when I first qualified.

“I know that this is a view which the partners and staff of Murlands share and I am therefore confident that my former clients will be in good hands following my retirement.”

The transfer of the Hamilton & Millar practice to Murlands - which has offices in Ballynahinch and Carryduff and its head office in Downpatrick - was completed at the end of October at Murlands’ Ballynahinch office at 2 Dromore Street - the exact spot where Mr Millar commenced practice.

Mr Millar said: “It was nice to be able to book-end my career as a solicitor in that way.”

Alan Reid, senior partner at Murlands, said: “We wish Brian a long, happy and healthy retirement. He has diligently served the needs of his clients in the Ballynahinch area and beyond for a long time and we look forward to building upon his existing client relationships in the future.

“It is our intention to continue to conduct the practice from our Ballynahinch office with technical and administrative support from our head office in Downpatrick.”