Catriona Lilley, Sarah Bissett and Anselm Henry will gain experience in the firm’s corporate and commercial, banking and financial services, real estate and dispute resolution teams during a two-year training contract.

Managing partner Chris Ross said: “We were delighted with the response to our 2021 trainee solicitor programme and despite a very challenging year for students due to Covid-19, we received the highest calibre of entries that I have ever seen.

“At McKees, our people are our best asset and we value the importance of supporting the young and exciting talent in the legal sector and playing our part to help shape and develop their careers.

“We are very proud of our reputation of offering excellent training contracts and in providing our new colleagues with the opportunity to grow and contribute to the firm throughout their period as a trainee.”

He added: “Our three new trainee solicitors will be rotating between teams over the course of their two-year training contract which will give them a wide knowledge of all areas of a busy commercial law firm. They’ll also gain invaluable experience of working with some of Northern Ireland’s leading lawyers in a range of specialisms.

“It’s a hands-on programme and each trainee has a supervising partner to mentor and support them and they’ll work together to create a bespoke training plan to ensure they get the most out of the learning and development programme.”

Ms Lilley said: “I am delighted to have been successful in securing a training contract with McKees, one of Northern Ireland’s leading commercial law firms.

“I’m really excited to start my career and have the opportunity to work closely with some of the best legal minds as well as the chance to explore a variety of specialisms including energy, finance and real estate.”

McKees was established in 1887 and employs 58 staff in its Belfast and London offices.