Ms Lawlor, regional manager of personal injury and senior lawyer at Thompsons Solicitors Northern Ireland, brings a wealth of experience to the committee as an experienced catastrophic and serious injury solicitor.  

A mum-of-twins originally from Co Fermanagh, Ms Lawlor graduated from Queen’s University Belfast and embarked on a legal career with a number of leading firms in the UK, Ireland and Australia before returning to Northern Ireland.

Commenting on her appointment, Ms Lawlor said: “APIL is a not-for-profit organisation committed to supporting injured people, and personal injury lawyers who are dedicated to securing justice for injured people, and I’m honoured to become the Northern Ireland representative on the executive committee.

“I have practised as a serious injury lawyer for more than 16 years now. It was a natural progression for me to follow a career in law. I was always interested in human rights issues from a young age.

“I aspired to be an advocate for people who needed help to have their voices heard. To be an advocate for change. To make a positive difference in some way.

“This is acutely true for the most vulnerable and seriously injured in our society, many of whom have suffered life-changing injuries through no fault of their own.

“I have been proud to represent some of our society’s most seriously injured and vulnerable people throughout my career.

“Returning home to Northern Ireland has renewed my passion for ensuring social justice, fairness, equality, and disability inclusion, which are at the heart of everything we do as legal professionals working in personal injury.”

Ms Lawlor describes herself as a passionate advocate for disability inclusion and vocational rehabilitation, and is a founding trustee of the brain injury charity After Matters, which supports young people living with acquired brain injuries with educational, employment and rehabilitation goals.

“Throughout my legal career, I have had the privilege of supporting and volunteering for various charities and these experiences have deepened my understanding of injured people’s challenges beyond litigation, and have reinforced my belief in a more inclusive and holistic approach to justice,” she said.

“APIL is committed to protecting the rights of injured people, including ensuring the laws affecting personal injury are not eroded.

“I am looking forward to supporting APIL’s legal reform campaigns across the UK, and working to ensure injured people in Northern Ireland can access complete and timely compensation.

“My background includes engaging with policymakers and leading campaigns. I will bring this experience into my role on the EC, building bridges between APIL, regional decision-makers, and those directly affected by injury.” 

Paul Shevlin, regional managing partner for Thompsons Solicitors NI, added: “Sabrina’s appointment to the APIL executive committee reflects not only her legal expertise but also her dedication to securing compassionate, client-focused outcomes and driving improvements in the way injured people are supported across Northern Ireland and beyond.

“We congratulate Sabrina on this well-deserved appointment and look forward to seeing the positive impact of her contribution to APIL’s vital work.”