We have experienced our most successful year to date, with turnover up 12% in the last financial year and a significant profit increase enabling reinvestment into our people and premises. The firm has already surpassed its five year growth target of 50% set in 2021, having grown by 75% since.

Our independent firm increased its employee base by 30% this year between its East Belfast office and new city centre headquarters in the Printworks on Belfast’s Queen Street.
The firm witnessed growth in all areas, with particular strength in corporate M&A and restructuring, employment law, commercial & residential property, commercial litigation, family and private client.

Talent development was evident across all levels and departments, with experienced real estate lawyer Chris Phillips, leading insolvency specialist Jason Byrne, five newly qualified solicitors and two new trainees joining the firm. More recently, the firm recruited corporate lawyer Robyn-Dee Herdman and private client lawyer Leah Deehan. Significant senior promotions included Emma Rooney and David Mitchell to directors.

Jan Cunningham has led as Managing Partner since 2023: “This year marked the beginning of an important era, which has been the result of a blend of ambition, people and culture,” Jan comments.

“First and foremost, our commitment to delivering excellence for our clients remains paramount. As the strength and breadth of our offering expands, we can provide a comprehensive service to clients across multiple areas. We use the phrase ‘lawyers for life’ which sums up how we are equipped to support clients at every stage of their personal and professional lives.

“From an employer perspective, our strategy is centred around helping our people unlock their potential, to empower and challenge them to find the type of work they love so they can follow their own path. This year, we launched an employee wellbeing programme, MMW Balance, built around connecting with our team in an inclusive, engaging and enjoyable way,” he said.

Looking ahead, Jan Cunningham believes the strength of recent years has created a solid foundation for the future: “Growth is rewarding, but we are very much focused on growing the right way and for us that means maintaining the culture and client reputation we have worked hard to build.

“The legal landscape here has changed dramatically in recent years with the arrival of major multinational firms. We are incredibly proud, as an indigenous company, to continue to attract the very best talent, with an impressive client portfolio, on a continued upward trajectory. We are building the future of the firm and supporting its next generation of leaders.”

Millar McCall Wylie was established in 1997 and works with individuals, SMEs and Top 100 companies, start-ups, financial institutions, national and multinational clients. In the last month, the firm maintained its Top Tier status in the Legal 500 rankings and was listed as a top ranked firm by Chambers and Partners.