He takes over from outgoing chair Steven Keown, director at McCallion Keown Solicitors, who was presented with his BSA past chair’s medal on Friday.

Mr Lavery told Irish Legal News: “I am delighted to take up the post as chair of the BSA. I was elected to the post at the BSA AGM held in the wonderful setting of the Resolution Centre in The Boat Building, Queens Square, Belfast.

“The BSA has nominated Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke as its charity for the forthcoming year. It is hoped that the charity will benefit from the funds raised through sporting events such as the golf day hosted by Malone Golf Club, the soccer, Gaelic football and tag rugby competitions.”

He added: “The BSA delivers a superb CPD programme with a very high calibre of speakers throughout the year and this in turn is due to the attendance of our strong membership and valued sponsors.”