Ruaidhrí Austin

Mr Austin, of specialist insurance law firm Lacey Solicitors, succeeds William Nugent of Thompson Crooks, who remains on the committee.

The other committee members for 2022/23 are Shannon Gawley and Hannah Stewart of Carson McDowell; Ellen Forester and Robert Bellingham of Tughans; Emma Falloon of Kennedys; Natasha Moffett of DAC Beachcroft; Ross White of Mills Selig; and William Wilson of Thompson Crooks.

Speaking to Irish Legal News, Mr Austin said: “It is an honour to be elected as chair of the Northern Ireland Young Solicitors Association. My sincere thanks to my colleagues who have placed their trust in me to represent and advance the interests of all young solicitors in Northern Ireland.

“I look forward to working with the newly elected committee members, and would like to formally thank William Nugent, the past chair, for working tirelessly the past year in his role.”

He added: “The past few years have been challenging for the legal profession and undoubtedly there is another challenging year ahead of us as we continue to recover from the impact of the coronavirus.

“My aim for the year ahead is to support all members of the NIYSA to meet those challenges whilst demonstrating the resilience, expertise and integrity of young solicitors here in Northern Ireland.”

Established in 1984, the NIYSA represents, promotes and advances the views and interests of young solicitors in Northern Ireland. Every solicitor who has not reached 10 years’ PQE automatically becomes a member of the NIYSA.