Imelda McMillan

The former Law Society of Northern Ireland president has been succeeded as head of the firm’s property department by director Janet Williamson.

A graduate of Queen’s University Belfast School of Law, Ms McMillan dedicated two years to community work in west Belfast as a project co-ordinator before beginning her legal career as a trainee solicitor under Garrett O’Reilly in 1989.

After completing her studies at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies (IPLS) in 1991, she quickly rose through the ranks, becoming an equity partner at O’Reilly Stewart in 2000.

Announcing her retirement, the firm said: “As a senior partner, she oversaw the smooth running of the property department and specialised in all aspects of residential property law.

“Imelda’s passion and dedication to her clients has resulted in the excellent reputation that she has established for O’Reilly Stewart.”

Ms McMillan chaired the Law Society Council and served as junior vice-president from 2010 to 2011, before becoming its president in 2012. In 2018, she served as chair of Women in Business NI.

“Her career has been marked by significant charitable contributions and service, culminating in her well-deserved retirement which will allow her to dedicate more time to her family, especially her daughter in Florida as she awaits the imminent arrival of her third grandchild,” the firm said.

The directors and staff at O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors have wished her “a long, healthy, happy, and well-deserved retirement”.