Our colleague and friend, Imelda McMillan, one of the most senior property lawyers in Northern Ireland, has retired after a distinguished career spanning 35 years with O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors.
A graduate of Queen’s University Belfast where she studied law, Imelda dedicated two years to community work in West Belfast as a project coordinator before beginning her legal career as a trainee solicitor under Garrett O’Reilly in 1989. After completing her studies at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies in 1991, she quickly rose through the ranks, becoming an equity partner at O’Reilly Stewart in 2000.
As a senior partner, she oversaw the smooth running of the Property Department and specialised in all aspects of residential property law. Imelda’s passion and dedication to her clients has resulted in the excellent reputation that she has established for O’Reilly Stewart. Her leadership extended well beyond the firm, chairing the Law Society of Northern Ireland Council and serving as Junior Vice President from 2010 to 2011 before becoming its President in 2012. In 2018, she further demonstrated her commitment to professional excellence and gender equality by serving as Chair of Women in Business.
Her career has been marked by significant charitable contributions and service, culminating in her well-deserved retirement which will allow her to dedicate more time to her family, especially her daughter in Florida as she awaits the imminent arrival of her third grandchild.
Whilst Imelda has played a very significant role in O’Reilly Stewart’s success over the years, her retirement will not see the company lacking in their Property Law expertise. Taking over as Head of the Property department will be Director Janet Williamson supported by Associate solicitors Thomas Greenaway and Judy Rose and solicitor Clodagh Rafferty.
The directors and staff at O’Reilly Stewart solicitors wish Imelda a long, healthy, happy, and well-deserved retirement.