Ms Napier, a director at Napier Solicitors in Belfast, has taken up her new role with a commitment to represent the interests of solicitors and their clients and to meet the challenges ahead.

Speaking ahead of her presidential year, Ms Napier said: “I am deeply honoured to accept the office of president of the Law Society of Northern Ireland.

“As the Society approaches its centenary celebrations it will be my priority to ensure that the Society remains at the very forefront of justice issues in Northern Ireland working on behalf of our members and in the public interest.

“I remain committed to building a stronger more inclusive, open and diverse solicitor profession reflective of the needs of clients, responsive to an ever-changing legal landscape and ready for its next 100 years.”

Outgoing president Rowan White will support Ms Napier in her duties as senior vice-president, along with newly-appointed junior vice president Brian Archer, treasurer Brian Speers and chief executive David A. Lavery CB.