Staff
Our qualified team
of solicitors
of solicitors
All of our staff are highly experienced and extremely qualified.
John Ross & Son Solicitors is based in Newtownards.
Our team
Hugh Edgar
Hugh is a partner in John Ross & Son Solicitors. He studied Law at Queen's University Belfast then spent 18 months in industry. After that, he completed his apprenticeship with a large legal practice in Belfast, qualifying in 1987. He joined the firm as a partner in 1990.
Hugh specialises in Criminal Law and can advise on legal aid. He has extensive experience representing clients in the Magistrates Court and Crown Court and advising clients at the police station.
In addition to having sat on and chaired the Criminal Law Committee of the Law Society, Hugh was a member of the Law Society Executive Council. For a time he also served on the Human Rights and Ethics Committee of the Law Society. In 2004 he was awarded the Certificate in Advanced Advocacy of the Law Society of Northern Ireland in Association with the National Institute of Trial Advocacy.
Michelle Edgar
Michelle is a Partner in John Ross & Son. She studied Law at Trinity College, Dublin and was admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in Northern Ireland in 1986. She joined the firm in 1987, where she has remained, becoming a Partner in 1991.
Michelle has significant experience in Wills and Administration of Estates, Estate Planning, Conveyancing and the provision of business advice. She provides advice to elderly clients including Enduring Powers of Attorney, Controllership applications and dealing with the Office of Care and Protection. She also has significant experience in litigation and family law.
Michelle continues her education in these areas through courses, lectures, private studies and membership of relevant groups. She is a member of the Agricultural Law Association and Down Business Connect.
In her free time, she is a member of the Soroptimist International, Great Britain and Ireland, Bangor District.
Deborah Gilmour
Deborah graduated from Queen’s University Belfast with an LLB Hons in Law before completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Legal Studies from Institute of Professional Legal Studies at Queen’s University. She was admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in 2021.
Deborah gained experience in Criminal Law and Residential property transactions in a large North Down firm before joining John Ross and Son Solicitors in March 2022.
Deborah is a solicitor in our Matrimonial department undertaking work involving Children Order matters, such as contact, residence or specific issue problems. She also represents clients in cases where Social Services have become involved, dealing with Public Law Orders such as Care Orders or Freeing for Adoption. Deborah also advises our clients on separation, divorce and ancillary relief.
In her free time Deborah enjoys playing hockey and sits on her clubs committee. She is enjoys running, swimming and many outdoor activities.
Fionnuala Hunt
Fionnuala graduated from Queen's University Belfast with LLB (Honours) in 1986. She was admitted as a Solicitor in Northern Ireland in 1988. She has extensive experience specialising in personal injury litigation including, claims involving road traffic collisions, accidents at work, asbestosis, tripping and slipping, and clinical negligence. She is committed to offering the best legal advice, service and results for her clients. She joined the Team at John Ross and Sons in September 2020 and she has been warmly welcomed by her clients from Newtownards and beyond. Fionnuala uses her vast experience to ensure that her clients are awarded the maximum amount of compensation in the shortest possible time.
A dedicated team at your service
Gemma Smyth
Gemma graduated from Queen’s University Belfast with an L.LB in 1983. She obtained a Certificate of Professional Legal Studies from the Institute of Professional Legal Studies in 1984 and joined John Ross & Son Solicitors in 2000.
She deals with matrimonial, child care cases and general litigation, specialising in ancillary relief and Family Proceedings work.
Gemma.Smyth@john-ross.co.uk
Tracy McCormick
Tracy graduated from Queen's University Belfast with B.A. joint honours in English and Modern History. She then achieved her Masters in Legal Science and a Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Legal Studies with commendation from Queen's University of Professional Legal Studies in Belfast. The Belfast Solicitors Association awarded her a prize for attaining the highest marks for the Diploma in Professional Legal Studies examinations. She was also awarded the Conn & Fenton, Melvyn T Doherty & Co., prize for the highest mark in the Enforcement of Judgements course and the PricewaterhouseCoopers prize for attaining the highest standard in the Revenue examination. She was admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in 2011.
Tracy has been working in the firm since 2001, initially as a part time member of staff during the course of her studies. While she has experience in all areas of law she is mainly responsible for conveyancing, probate, wills, enduring powers of attorney and controllership cases.
TracyM@john-ross.co.uk
Rachel graduated from the University of Ulster with an LLB Hons in Law and Government. She then achieved a Masters degree at Queen's University Belfast in Computers and Law before completing her Certificate in Professional Legal Studies at Queen's University Institute of Professional Legal Studies. Rachel was admitted to the roll of solicitors in 2004 and has gained experience working in a variety of firms before joining John Ross and Son in April 2019.
Rachel's areas of expertise lie mostly within the field of residential conveyancing, wills and probate but she is keen to expand into other areas as the opportunity arises.
Rachel.Sinclair@john-ross.co.uk
Our staff serves clients across Northern Ireland. Contact us on
028 9181 3173
John Ross & Son Solicitors LLP - a Limited Liability Partnership having its registered office at 21 High Street, Newtownards, BT23 4JN
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