NEWS

Queen’s legal education proves its strength as alumni secure key roles at A&L Goodbody!

A&L Goodbody (ALG) has just announced the appointment of six newly qualified solicitors to its Northern Ireland team, underscoring once again the strong pipeline of legal talent emerging from Queen's University Belfast. Catherine Sheppard, Holly Emerson, Holly Molloy, Luca StClair, Martyn Doherty and Niall O'Hare all join the firm following the successful completion of ALG's trainee solicitor programme, bringing its Belfast office to a team of more than 140 lawyers and business services professionals.

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Mr Doherty and Mr O'Hare take up roles within ALG's litigation department, while Ms Emerson joins the property team. Ms Sheppard and Mr StClair step into corporate practice, with Ms Molloy beginning her career in banking.

Notably, four of this year's six appointees completed their undergraduate law degrees at our School of Law in Queen's, and five undertook their professional training at the University’s Institute of Professional Legal Studies - further evidence of the strength and employability of Queen's graduates within the legal profession.

Shirley Blair, of counsel at ALG in Northern Ireland, said:

“Nurturing the next generation of legal talent is a core priority for the firm. Our newly qualified solicitors bring exceptional capability, fresh perspectives and real ambition to their practice areas. Each member of this cohort represents the future of ALG in Northern Ireland, and we are delighted to welcome them into their new roles.”

The School of Law warmly congratulates these newly qualified solicitors on this significant career milestone. Their success reflects not only their hard work and determination, but also the value of a Queen's legal education in preparing graduates to excel in a competitive professional landscape. We are proud of their achievements and look forward to following their contributions to the legal sector in the years ahead.

Law on Film: Art, Activism, and Legal Discourse

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On 20 November 2025, Queen's University Belfast School of Law, in partnership with Queen's Film Theatre (QFT), launched its inaugural Law on Film event. This groundbreaking initiative promises to become an annual fixture in the cultural and academic calendar. Against the backdrop of a world grappling with contested reproductive rights, shrinking spaces for public discourse, and epidemic levels of violence against women, this event could not have been more timely or necessary.

School Of Law

OPPORTUNITIES

Shape Northern Ireland’s future: apply now for Pivotal's Policy Leadership Development Programme

Applications are now open for Pivotal's 2026 Policy Leadership Development Programme (PLDP), an exceptional opportunity for young people passionate about shaping policy and driving positive change in Northern Ireland. Following the success of its inaugural cohort, which brought together 24 talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, including students, civil servants, educators, economists, and community leaders, the PLDP returns with a renewed focus on equipping the next generation of policy thinkers and leaders.

Over nine weeks, participants will: