Pinsent Masons has appointed Andrea McIlroy-Rose as head of its Belfast office.

Ms McIlroy-Rose was the first female partner of leading Belfast firm L’Estrange & Brett when they merged with McGrigors in 2009 and then Pinsent Masons in 2012.

For the last four years, she has led the Belfast property team of 14 lawyers.

She has an elected board position on the firm’s remuneration and partnership committee and heads the firm’s UK retail property team.

Ms McIlroy-Rose, a mother of two teenagers, also has a special interest in diversity and inclusion and since 2013 has been the international chair of the firm’s female networking group, Female Futures.

John Cleland, managing partner of Pinsent Masons, said: “Andrea’s outstanding reputation in the market, her commitment to clients and the dynamic leadership she has already shown in her various roles have made her the natural choice to steer our Northern Ireland office through a period of planned investment and growth.

“The firm is committed to the consolidation of our position within the local market and the Belfast office remains an integral part of our expanding network of offices.”

Ms McIlroy-Rose added: “I am delighted to have been asked to take up this position and to have the opportunity to lead the office through a challenging but very exciting period of change.

“I am extremely lucky to work with an outstanding team of almost 90 staff and we remain committed to and focused upon the local market and the advantages and expertise that an international law firm can provide to both our clients and the community.”

Her appointment coincides with the announcement of Pinsent Masons’ acquisition of the specialist diversity consultancy Brook Graham.