About NIYSA

The representative body for young solicitors in Northern Ireland, dedicated to supporting professional development, networking, and advocacy.

Who We Are

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.

We are committed to promoting the interests of young solicitors, providing high-quality educational and networking events, encouraging engagement with the wider legal community, and supporting professional development and cross-profession collaboration.

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

NIYSA committee members gathered around a boardroom table at Law Society House

Our Mission & Objectives

Represent

Represent the views and interests of young solicitors to the Law Society of Northern Ireland and wider stakeholders.

Educate

Organise educational, professional, and social events that support continuing professional development.

Connect

Foster connections with other legal and professional bodies both locally and internationally.

Promote Excellence

Promote excellence and development within the legal profession for the benefit of all young solicitors.

Our Partners & Stakeholders

We work closely with leading legal organisations to ensure our members are represented locally, nationally, and internationally.

Law Society of Northern Ireland logo

Law Society of Northern Ireland

The regulatory and representative body for solicitors in Northern Ireland.

European Young Bar Association logo

European Young Bar Association

Connecting young lawyers across Europe through conferences and collaboration.

ACHuman logo

ACHuman

Supporting professional development and recruitment in the legal sector.

NIYSA charity partner logo

Charity Partner

Working together to make a positive impact in our community.

The 2026 Committee

Our committee is elected annually at the AGM each January. Meet the team leading NIYSA this year.

William Wilson — Chairperson

William Wilson

Chairperson

Lacey Solicitors

Katherine Macauley — Vice-Chairperson

Katherine Macauley

Vice-Chairperson

Joseph Magee & Co

Aisling Creegan — Secretary

Aisling Creegan

Secretary

Lacey Solicitors

Victoria Kinkaid — Treasurer

Victoria Kinkaid

Treasurer

Carson McDowell LLP

Michael Murphy — Membership Engagement Officer

Michael Murphy

Membership Engagement Officer

MKB Law

James Greene — CPD Coordinator

James Greene

CPD Coordinator

Elliotts Legal

Sarah Swann — Charity Liaison Officer

Sarah Swann

Charity Liaison Officer

DWF

Emma Doherty — Communications & Marketing Officer

Emma Doherty

Communications & Marketing Officer

Tughans LLP

Emma Falloon — Events Coordinator

Emma Falloon

Events Coordinator

A&L Goodbody

Morgan Pennie — Creative Content Officer

Morgan Pennie

Creative Content Officer

Pinsent Masons

Ronan Martin — IPLS Representative

Ronan Martin

IPLS Representative

Murphy O'Rawe

NIYSA Constitution

The NIYSA Constitution governs how the Association operates, including membership rights, elections, meetings, finance, transparency, and disciplinary processes. It outlines the framework within which the committee operates and ensures accountability to our members.