Julie Tierney

The promotion is said to reflect the firm’s determination to further strengthen its leadership structures and to support delivery of strategic objectives.

Ms Tierney, who joined the firm in May 2014, will work closely with its managing partner and chief operating officer to ensure continued progress across key priorities including client service, people development and sustainable growth.

Managing partner David Burgess said: “Julie is an outstanding practitioner. She brings significant experience, sound judgment, and a strong commitment to the firm’s values and ambitions.

“Her appointment reflects our ongoing focus on collaborative leadership and our commitment to delivering the firm’s long-term strategy.”

Ms Tierney said: “I’m delighted to be appointed the firm’s first deputy managing partner.

“We have a wide range of clients, several of whom require specialist and continuous support. One of my key objectives will be to reflect an evolving situation where the full range of services dovetails with client needs.

“Our people are central to the expansion we have enjoyed. They are amongst some of the most able and talented in Northern Ireland and creating pathways to enable them to adapt and develop further will lead to further sustainable growth.

“There’s no doubt the profession faces challenges in the future but with the resilience we are factoring into the practice, I’m confident we will continue to grow and deliver first-class services for all our clients.”