Aoife McShane has been named chairperson of Newry and Banbridge Solicitors Association for 2017.

Ms McShane, 31, was born and educated in Newry and is a practising solicitor and partner in well-known solicitor firm McShanes, with offices in Newry and Kilkeel.

She was unanimously elected to serve as the Association’s chairperson in December 2016.

Commenting on her election, Ms McShane said: “I am delighted to have been elected Chairperson of Newry and Banbridge Solicitors Association and am looking forward to representing and reflecting the views of local solicitors on important legal, justice and social issues.

“As a practitioner I am all too aware of how important local solicitor firms are in our community offering legal services, providing guidance and advice and as businesses providing employment and support to the local economy.

“As chairperson I will seek to engage positively with a wide range of local stakeholder groups on issues of mutual importance.”