Mrs Holder, a barrister who is the current official solicitor for Northern Ireland, will take up the appointment with effect from 1 September 2024.

The official solicitor can be invited to act in court proceedings on behalf of minors and disabled people who lack the capacity to instruct a solicitor. They can act as next friend (NF) or guardian ad litem (GAL) in proceedings.

Mrs Holder previously held the position of senior principal legal officer on human rights for the Attorney General’s Office.

Chief commissioner Alyson Kilpatrick said: “On behalf of the Commission, I am delighted to welcome Mairead Holder as a new commissioner from 1 September 2024.

“Mairead brings a depth of human rights knowledge and experience that will be vital in helping guide the Commission’s work.

“Everyone at the Commission is looking forward to working with Mairead as we continue to protect and promote human rights of everyone in Northern Ireland.”