Mr O’Hanlon joins the real estate team after several years working with a national law firm. He commenced his career in the construction sector before qualifying as a solicitor in London.

With over 15 years’ experience in the property industry, Mr O’Hanlon has been involved in many high profile transactions. The dual-qualified lawyer specialises in acquisitions, disposals, financing property, leasing and structuring development land deals.

Mr Sproule takes up the role of director in the Corporate and Commercial team, having spent the last four years working as in-house legal counsel for Danske Bank.

Dual-qualified, Mr Sproule has worked in leading commercial firms in London and Belfast. Prior to qualifying as a solicitor, he spent a number of years in New York working with Invest Northern Ireland. His specialisms include mergers and acquisitions, finance and banking, and commercial contracts.

Jonathan Forrester, managing director at Cleaver Fulton Rankin, said: “We are delighted to announce the addition of both Patrick and Stuart to our team. They bring with them a wealth of experience and represent significant strategic appointments as we continue to grow our market-leading commercial team.”

Mr O’Hanlon said: “I am delighted to have joined Cleaver Fulton Rankin. Its reputation is second to none.

“There are challenges in the real estate sector at present, fuelled by uncertainty in the economy that will invariably lead to risk, and opportunities. The real estate team has market-leading experts who can add real value to clients in these times.

“I look forward to contributing to the team’s work in delivering clear, concise and effective advice for local businesses and investors.”

Mr Sproule said: “I’m very excited to have joined Cleaver Fulton Rankin’s corporate and commercial team.

“It is great to be part of a team with such a strong reputation within the NI legal landscape and I am looking forward to playing a key role in the growth and development of its renowned corporate and commercial services.”