NIYSA logo

Northern Ireland Young Solicitors' Association

Representing and supporting solicitors in Northern Ireland within their first 10 years of post-qualification experience. Dedicated to professional development, networking, and advancing the interests of young legal professionals across Belfast and beyond.

0

Years PQE Eligible

0

Committee Members

0+

European Connections

0+

Events Per Year

What We Do

NIYSA is committed to supporting young solicitors throughout the early stages of their legal career in Northern Ireland.

Representation

Promoting the interests and views of young solicitors at Law Society level and within the wider legal community across Northern Ireland.

Professional Development

Organising high-quality CPD events, workshops, and seminars covering key legal topics and essential skills for career progression.

Networking

Creating valuable networking opportunities through social events, conferences, and cross-profession collaborations in Belfast and beyond.

International Links

Connecting members with the European Young Bar Association (EYBA) and other international legal associations for a global perspective.

Supporting Young Solicitors in Belfast and Across Northern Ireland

The Northern Ireland Young Solicitors' Association (NIYSA) is the representative body for solicitors in their first 10 years of post-qualification experience (PQE). Every qualifying solicitor within that timeframe is automatically a member of our association, making NIYSA one of the largest professional networks for young lawyers in Northern Ireland.

Based at Law Society House on Victoria Street in Belfast, we work closely with the Law Society of Northern Ireland (LSNI), the Institute of Professional Legal Studies at Queen's University Belfast (IPLS), the European Young Bar Association (EYBA), and other young solicitors' associations across the United Kingdom and Europe.

Our objectives, as outlined in the NIYSA Constitution, include representing the views and interests of young solicitors, organising educational and social events, fostering connections with other legal and professional bodies, and promoting excellence and professional development within the legal profession in Belfast and Northern Ireland.

Read More About Us
NIYSA committee and delegates at EYBA Conference Belfast

Upcoming Events

Stay connected, learn, and network with young solicitors across Northern Ireland.

EYBA Autumn Conference 2025 – BelfastCPD

2 October 2025 • Queen's University Belfast

EYBA Autumn Conference 2025 – Belfast

Belfast proudly welcomed the European Young Bar Association (EYBA) from 2–5 October 2025 for its inaugural Autumn Conference—a dynamic and inspiring event that brought together young legal professionals from across Europe.

EYBA Spring Conference 2026 – Faro, PortugalCPD

15 March 2026 • Faro, Portugal

EYBA Spring Conference 2026 – Faro, Portugal

Representatives of the Northern Ireland Young Solicitors recently attended the European Young Bar Association (EYBA) Spring Conference 2026 in Faro, Portugal, offering a valuable platform to exchange ideas and build international connections.

NIYSA Pilates Morning

10 April 2026 • Belfast

NIYSA Pilates Morning

We were delighted to welcome colleagues back after the Easter break with a refreshing and energising Pilates session led by the fabulous Leila O'Neill.

View All Events

Why NIYSA Matters for Young Solicitors in Belfast

From your first day qualified to your tenth year in practice, NIYSA provides the support, connections, and opportunities that help build a successful legal career in Northern Ireland.

Career Advancement

Access CPD-accredited training sessions, mentoring opportunities, and workshops designed to help you progress in your legal career at leading Belfast and Northern Ireland firms.

Practice Development

Learn from experienced practitioners through our programme of seminars covering topics from AI in legal practice to human rights law and commercial expertise.

Trainee Support

Supporting the next generation of solicitors with guidance on IPLS entrance requirements, securing a training contract, and navigating the path to qualification in Northern Ireland.

Our Sponsors

We are grateful for the support of our sponsors.

Air/e Crew
Achuman Capital

Our Partners & Stakeholders

LSNI

Law Society of Northern Ireland

IPLS

Institute of Professional Legal Studies

EYBA

European Young Bar Association

International

UK & European Young Solicitors

Our Events in Action

From EYBA international conferences to CPD workshops and social networking events in Belfast.

Panel discussion at EYBA Conference
Keynote speaker at EYBA Autumn Conference
EYBA Conference delegates group photo in Belfast
Achuman recruitment sponsors at EYBA social event
Conference attendees at EYBA panel session
GMcG forensic accounting sponsors at networking event
Speaker at EYBA Conference in Great Hall Belfast
Tughans solicitors sponsors at EYBA networking event

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the Northern Ireland Young Solicitors' Association, membership, events, and how to get involved.

Get Involved with NIYSA

Whether you are newly qualified, building your practice in Belfast, or looking to connect with colleagues across Northern Ireland, NIYSA is here to support you throughout the early stages of your legal career.