Keoghs has rapidly expanded its presence in Northern Ireland through a period of sustained growth, strategic recruitment and continued investment in its people and infrastructure. The team, based in Belfast, continues to deliver support for insurers, public authorities and self-insured organisations as the leading defendant insurance litigation practice in Northern Ireland.

The firm has recently expanded into additional office space in Belfast to accommodate their team of more than 70 people, representing a sevenfold increase since 2019. This continued expansion reflects the increasing demand for specialist defendant litigation expertise across their practice areas of Motor, Casualty, Fraud, Credit Hire, Disease, Catastrophic Injury, Abuse, Recoveries, Property Risks and Coverage.

Over the last 12 months, the firm has also welcomed several new solicitors while continuing to invest heavily in the development of existing talent. A key driver of the firm's success has been its Trainee Solicitor Programme, as well as structured career pathways and continued investment in learning and development. Keoghs has established a strong track record of creating clear progression routes across the business, demonstrating its commitment to growing and promoting its people from within.

Recent senior promotions have included Senior Solicitors Janice Doherty, Catherine Martin, Tom McClafferty, Gemma McKeown, and Stephen Olver, while Rebecca Polley has been appointed to the leadership role of Deputy Lead Lawyer. Sophie Hynds has also been promoted to Associate Solicitor, while Daniel Burns and Lauren McCreight have commenced training contracts with the firm.

Victoria McLean, Senior Partner at Keoghs Northern Ireland, said: “These ongoing investments ensure that we are well positioned to support clients in an evolving insurance market. Our ambition is clear: to remain the first-choice legal partner for insurers operating in Northern Ireland. The scale of growth we have achieved in the region, as well as our advancement to Tier 1 in Chambers and Partners 2027 rankings, demonstrates the strength of our people and the confidence that insurers continue to place in Keoghs.”

This expansion comes at a pivotal time for the Northern Ireland insurance market, amid ongoing debate around civil justice reform, claims inflation and the future of insurance litigation. As a recognised leader in defendant litigation, Keoghs continues to work closely with insurers, industry bodies and market stakeholders to shape and influence reform across the sector.