MKB Law

In this new episode of the MKB LawCast, Neil Logan chats with Matthew Downey, legal executive in our Corporate team and a Derry GAA player. As Matthew awaits exam results for solicitor training, he shares how he balances football with his budding legal career. Even if you're not into sports, this episode offers an honest perspective from a young professional managing ambition on two fronts and what it takes to make it work in practice. Listen here: bit.ly/MKB-Podcast33

The National, one of the Cathedral Quarter's leading bar and restaurant venues, is set to undergo a major upgrade of its outdoor area. Housed within the historic National Bank Limited building, The National opened in 2013. Under the new plans, the venue's outdoor offering will be enhanced, alongside the introduction of a two-storey external façade along Skipper Street, facing the Merchant Hotel. Emma Smyth was pleased to have advised on this latest project for the Beannchor Group.

MKB Law acted on behalf of Kerr's Tyres Group in relation to their recent investment with private equity firm, Chiltern Capital. Launched in 2002, Kerr's Tyres is a leading premium tyre and automotive services group, operating from 27 outlets across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. We congratulate founder Norman Kerr and the entire team at Kerr's Tyres on this significant investment and look forward to seeing the Group drive its ambitious long-term growth strategy across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland! The transaction was led by Gordon McElroy McElory and James Boyd from MKB's Corporate and Commercial team, supported by Chris Quinn, Michael Murphy, Matthew McGuigan, Ryan Chambers, Neil Logan and Oisin Logan. Commenting on the transaction, James Boyd said: "Having worked with Norman and the Kerr's Tyres team on a number of transactions we were delighted to have played a part getting this deal over the line. A fantastic local company led by a top-class management team. Thank you also to the wider team at MKB and to our external colleagues involved in the transaction."

Monday marked the soft opening of BBQ22 in St Anne's Square, the latest restaurant from our client Eddie Fung, which we were thrilled to attend (alongside some lively lions)! The opening is the third in this location, alongside House of Zen and the Dumpling Library. Inspired by traditional Korean dining techniques, BBQ22 brings a distinct addition to the line-up. We wish Eddie and the team every success and thank them for the continued trust placed in the Hospitality team at MKB Law.

Belfast City Hall looked striking this morning with a light dusting of snow ❄️ The wintry weather may have slowed some New Year returns, but we hope everyone is staying safe, warm and settling back in comfortably. At #MKBLaw, we're glad to be back and supporting our clients as 2026 gets underway!

Our office closes this afternoon for the holidays and reopens on Monday 5 January 2026. It's been a busy and exciting year for #MKBLaw, and we're grateful to everyone who was part of it - look forward to seeing you all in the new year!

It's that time of year when trainees are on the move - some starting at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies, and some returning to the office. With that, we would like to wish Oisin Logan every success as he begins his studies at the IPLS in January! Oisin joined MKB Law in September and works in our Corporate & Commercial team. Since joining, he has been involved in a variety of high-value M&A transactions and has also gained experience in areas such as licensing and residential conveyancing. He aims to qualify as a solicitor in September 2027. Outside of work, Oisin enjoys playing Gaelic football, travelling and sharing a few (quiet!) pints with friends.

Christmas Jumper Day at MKB Law wouldn't be complete without the customary group photo! PS - only one week to go until the big day! 😱

It's that time of year when trainees are on the move - some starting at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies and some returning to the office. With that, we would like to wish Anna McGonigle the very best as she begins her studies at the IPLS in January! Anna joined MKB Law in September and works across our busy Dispute Resolution and Insolvency & Recovery teams. She aims to qualify as a solicitor in September 2027. Outside of work and study, Anna enjoys travelling, reading and trying to convince herself that she enjoys golf! 🫣

It's that time of year when trainees are on the move - some starting at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies and some returning to the office. With that, we're pleased to welcome back Matthew McGuigan! Matthew joined #MKBLaw in 2023 and is a valued member of our Corporate & Commercial team. He has gained experience across a range of M&A work and has supported clients with corporate governance matters. Matthew has also been involved in several private equity transactions, developing a strong interest in this area. Outside work and study, Matthew enjoys playing golf, reading and travelling to watch Arsenal - who, at the time of writing, happen to be sitting at the top of the table!

Closing a legal practice involves many considerations. In this interview with The Writ, Kelly Shaw reflects on her experience, shares practical insights and discusses her move earlier this year to MKB Law as Head of Matrimonial - bit.ly/MKB-111225

In this new podcast episode, Neil Logan and Katrina Olver discuss the realities of pre-Christmas conveyancing – from the practical factors that determine whether a transaction can complete, to the latest trends in the winter property market. Listen here bit.ly/MKB-Podcast32 or search #MKBLaw on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

The print edition of Business Eye has landed! Not to be biased, but we think it's definitely the cover of the year 👀 Inside is an interview with Directors Neil, Emma and Christopher. From expanding our senior team and strengthening our Private Client offering, to embracing AI and creative marketing - it's an exciting time for the firm! bit.ly/BEye-MKB

⚪ We're excited to unveil the Winter 2025 update to our website! Developed by Kym Horner, head of Marketing at #MKBLaw, the concept combines our striking new imagery alongside the reintroduction of black into our branding. The result is a design that tells a story through strong visuals and redefines how law firms present themselves online!

We recently released a podcast episode on business exits. In this snippet, Neil Logan and Paul McCoubrey (Navigate IFA) discuss what you really need for life after business and why it matters. Listen to the full episode here bit.ly/MKB-Podcast31

We are thrilled to announce the promotion of James Boyd and Daniel McCracken to Associate Director! These promotions underline our commitment to recognising and supporting talent from within the firm and through lateral hires. We wish them every success in their new roles!

Neil Logan chats with Paul McCoubrey, Managing Director at Navigate IFA, about how to plan - financially and emotionally - for life after selling or stepping back from your business. Listen here bit.ly/MKB-Podcast31 or search MKB Law on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

We're excited to share our new promotional team photography, captured at the Ulster Folk Museum in Cultra! Thank you to our amazing photographer khara pringle and to the team at National Museums NI for all their help and assistance.

🎃 Happy Halloween (we celebrated a day early!) The team at MKB Law got into the Halloween spirit with some spooky chocolate treats and creative costumes. A special shoutout to Georgia Jess (below) for her spot-on Patrick Bateman from American Psycho look! As always, there were a few prizes up for grabs - including some bubbly and a £100 voucher for Beau Restaurant, which was won by Oisin Logan. Congrats and enjoy!

⚪ Join us in welcoming Katrina Olver to our Residential Property team! Katrina brings two decades of experience in residential conveyancing and is known for her professionalism, clear communication and client-focused approach. We're thrilled to have her on board!