Pictured: Paul Moylan and Sarah Wilson

A new committee was elected at the association’s AGM in Law Society House on Friday, where Ms Wilson paid tribute to the previous chair, while Ruairi Gillen, of Gillen & Co was elected honorary secretary and Robert Croskery was elected honorary treasurer.

Ms Wilson said: “It is with great excitement that I take up my appointment as Chair of the Belfast Solicitors’ Association which is celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2023. I am both delighted but also astonished to be the sixth female and youngest ever lawyer to hold this role.

“Throughout its history, the BSA has consistently represented its members’ interests, lobbying government, promoting the highest standards of legal practice and organising a varied social and Continuing Professional Development programme.

“In 2023, I aim to celebrate, the achievements of the profession over the past 80 years and promote areas of improvement such as the employment of people with disabilities within the profession. There are a number of social events already planned as part of our celebrations, including our Gala Dinner which will take place on 10th June 2023.”

BSA has also announced its new charity partner for 2023, Employer’s For Disability Northern Ireland (EFDNI).

Ms Wilson said: “This year our chosen charity is Employers for Disability NI (EFDNI) which is a local charity very close to my heart. Their role is to promote the recruitment, retention and development of disabled employees.

“They do this by providing training, information, advice and in-depth support for disabled employees, their line managers, colleagues and Human Resources staff. EFDNI encourages and helps local employers to adopt a Disability Positive approach where disabled people are valued and supported both in employment and as customers/services users.”