Mr Meldrum joins the Newtownabbey-based firm from the healthcare industry, where he specialised in financial management, business development, management information systems and preparing businesses for investment and multi-million pound acquisitions.

His appointment will support the firm’s expansion as it plans to build on its strong residential conveyancing practice in Northern Ireland.

Managing director Philip Armstrong, a member of the Law Society Council and chair of the Law Society’s conveyancing and property committee, set out ambitious plans to grow the firm’s market share over the next five years while expanding other areas of the business.

“In securing Bryan as our COO, we are putting another piece in the jigsaw that will see us become a major force on the high street in Northern Ireland as we deliver legal services in an innovative and engaging way,” he told Irish Legal News.

“We will adding to our legal team shortly, but I felt it was crucial to make sure that we had a strong and passionate leader on board as soon as possible, with extensive and proven experience in achieving success in other industries.”

Mr Meldrum added: “Armstrong Solicitors have prepared the groundwork for a unique service and I am so excited to be part of a talented team that will deploy new technology solutions to support and expand our offering to clients.”