Mr McCandless, a qualified accountant and taxation advisor with 30 years’ experience, will take a place on the law firm’s executive team, with responsibility for shaping, implementing and strengthening the firm’s business strategy, operational processes and infrastructure to support its expansion plans.

Managing partner Peter McCall said: “I am delighted to welcome Christopher to our senior management team in what marks an exciting new chapter for Millar McCall Wylie, and have no doubt he will be a tremendous asset to the firm as it continues to go from strength to strength.

“The legal profession is facing an unprecedented level of change and it is important we adapt accordingly to take advantage of the opportunities that present. We were keen to invest in and attract someone who knows and understands both professional services and the demands of a corporate operating model.

“Christopher’s background and expertise make him ideally suited to the role and he brings a fresh business dimension to strategy that will be invaluable as we enter the next phase of the firm’s development.”

Mr McCandless, previously a partner at a leading Northern Ireland accountancy firm and also a qualified mediator, said: “Millar McCall Wylie has been on a strong growth trajectory over the past number of years. I am both privileged and excited to be joining such a progressive firm and am looking forward to helping build on the significant and notable success they have enjoyed to date.”