Lacey Solicitors is pleased to announce that two of its current solicitors, William Wilson and Aisling Creegan, have been elected onto the committee of the Northern Ireland Young Solicitors’ Association (NIYSA) for the 2025 term. This appointment highlights the continued leadership role Lacey Solicitors plays in representing young solicitors at the national level, further reinforcing its commitment to nurturing the next generation of legal talent.
William Wilson Elected Vice-Chair of NIYSA
William Wilson, property lawyer at Lacey Solicitors, has been elected as the vice-chair of the NIYSA for the upcoming year. Wilson will play a pivotal role in steering the association through the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for young solicitors in Northern Ireland.
Aisling Creegan Elected membership secretary of NIYSA
Aisling Creegan, another solicitor from Lacey Solicitors, will serve as the membership secretary of the NIYSA. This new appointment further underscores Lacey Solicitors’ significant influence within the association, as the firm continues to empower young solicitors in the region and provide them with platforms to thrive in their careers.
NIYSA’s Role and Importance
The NIYSA, established in 1984, represents and advocates for young solicitors in Northern Ireland. As a member-driven organisation, the association promotes the interests of solicitors with less than 10 years of post-qualification experience. It offers opportunities for professional development, networking, and the sharing of best practices among its members, all while supporting them through the evolving challenges of the legal profession.
The other committee members are Emma Falloon as Chair, Katherine Macauley as secretary, Shannan Greer as treasurer, Emma Doherty as CPD co-ordinator, Victoria Kinkaid as social media manager, Tony McCann as membership engagement officer, Morgan Giovanna Pennie as trainee rep and Sarah Swann as LawCare representative.
Lacey Solicitors: A Proud History with NIYSA
Lacey Solicitors’ connection with the NIYSA runs deep, as the firm has a long and proud history of involvement with the association at a national level. Current partner Ruaidhri Austin is a notable example of Lacey Solicitors’ commitment to young solicitor advocacy. Ruaidhri was previously elected as the chairman of the NIYSA, an esteemed role that saw him lead the association through a transformative period. His tenure, which saw a continued emphasis on professional development and member engagement, paved the way for ongoing improvements in how the NIYSA supports its members.
With these recent appointments, Lacey Solicitors maintains its dedication to representing young solicitors and supporting their professional journeys. Both William and Aisling bring invaluable expertise and energy to their respective roles, and Lacey Solicitors is confident that their contributions will help drive the continued success and development of the NIYSA.
As the legal profession faces ongoing changes, including the aftermath of the global pandemic, the need for a strong, supportive network for young solicitors has never been greater. Emma Falloon, the newly elected chair of the NIYSA, has expressed her commitment to strengthening engagement with members across Northern Ireland and beyond. She aims to continue building lasting connections with counterparts in the UK, Ireland, Europe, and further afield, all while fostering the mental health and well-being of young solicitors through continued collaboration with organisation like LawCare.
Lacey Solicitors’ continued involvement in the NIYSA is a testament to the firm’s dedication to fostering a supportive, dynamic, and resilient legal community. With William Wilson and Aisling Creegan joining the ranks of the NIYSA’s leadership, the firm’s commitment to empowering young solicitors is stronger than ever, ensuring that they are well-equipped to meet the challenges of the modern legal landscape.
Conclusion
Lacey Solicitors extends its congratulations to both William and Aisling on their appointments and looks forward to seeing the positive impact they will undoubtedly have on the NIYSA and the wider legal profession in Northern Ireland.