27 May 2022

Newly qualified solicitors welcomed at admissions reception

Rowan White, SVP, Lady Chief Justice, Dame Siobhan Keegan, Brigid Napier, President and Sir Declan Morgan

Law Society House in Belfast was the venue for a unique admissions & networking reception to the solicitor profession in Northern Ireland.

Over fifty solicitors joined the President of the Law Society of Northern Ireland, Brigid Napier and the Lady Chief Justice, Dame Siobhan Keegan for the reception which was held in place of the of the 2020 Admission Ceremony due to the pandemic.

In her addresses, the President of the Society, Brigid Napier took the occasion to offer some advice and guidance to those attending and to underscore the importance of the solicitor profession in Northern Ireland.

In her remarks the Lady Chief Justice, Dame Siobhan Keegan reflected on how hard it had been during the pandemic and stressed what a privilege it is to be lawyer and how the role brings with it responsibility.

The Lady Chief Justice also encouraged the new solicitors to be part of the modernisation of justice in Northern Ireland as the new generation of lawyers.

She concluded by congratulated the young solicitors and wished them well in their career.

Also in attendance at the reception was the former Lord Chief Justice, Sir Declan Morgan and former President of the Society, Rowan White who presented several awards.

These included the Thomasena McKinney Prize which was awarded to Daniel McCracken who attained first place in the Trainee Solicitor programme at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies.

Reece Lockhart was presented with his award for first place in the Solicitors Accounts Course and first place award was presented to Brendan Foy for his success in the Professional Conduct Course.