I was educated at Methodist College Belfast and graduated from Queen's University, Belfast with an Honours Degree in Law in 1984. I then attended the Institute of Professional Legal Studies obtaining a Certificate in Professional Legal Studies. I qualified as a Solicitor in 1985, I joined the well-reputed Johnsons Solicitors of Belfast. After gaining extensive experience in a wide range of legal matters from general property matters, such as the buying and selling of houses to the administration of estates, I moved quickly into dealing with personal injury actions and Commercial Court cases. I was approached by Thompsons Solicitors in Newtownards and for the purposes of career advancement moved to the firm in 1987 where I was made partner two years later. I was responsible for all court matters including personal injury claims, commercial and business disputes some matrimonial and various property transactions and clinical negligence cases. I gained extensive experience and expertise.
