Women's Network

Claire McAleer, who returned to legal practice in 2022 after an eight-year break, has a background in supporting women, including roles in community work and the NI Rural Women’s Network. She is passionate about peer support and is eager to bring this ethos to the legal profession. She is particularly passionate about expanding opportunities for women and is keen on spearheading a Women Returners Pilot Programme. This initiative is designed to support women re-entering the legal profession after a career break, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and networks necessary to successfully reintegrate into the workplace. 

A passionate advocate for Women's Rights within the legal profession. I am dedicated to supporting and empowering other women to thrive within the legal field. As a Constituency Representative within the Law Society Women's Network, I hope to play an integral role in promoting initiatives that elevate the voice of women as well as ensuring that their interests are effectively represented.  

Hannah joined Donnelly and Wall as a Family Solicitor in July 2024 after having practised in England for several years. During her time in practice in England, Hannah was an active member of the North East Women’s Lawyer Division from its inception and loved getting together with other females in the legal profession having attended and helped organise a number of events. Hannah is really looking forward to joining the Law Society Women’s Network and getting to know other females within the legal profession in Northern Ireland and contributing ideas to the network. In her spare time Hannah loves spending time with friends & family and her dog Bobby!  

Lenore Rice is the co-founder of Adamson Rice, a newly established firm in Bangor. This firm stands as a beacon of excellence, celebrating the legacies of trailblazing professional women such as Baroness Hale, Lady Justice Keegan, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Eleanor Roosevelt. By recognizing the immense contributions of these influential figures, Adamson Rice aims to cultivate an empowering and inspiring environment for its clients and staff alike. 

Lenore has extensive expertise in wealth management, asset protection, and tax planning.  She collaborates closely with clients and professional advisors to provide personalised advice tailored to meet clients' unique objectives. She excels in ensuring that clients' Wills and Enduring Powers are properly in place and their estates are structured to protect assets and minimize tax liabilities.  Lenore has a proven track record in managing high-value, complex estate administrations and serves as a professional executor and trustee. She also advises on intricate matrimonial settlements involving corporate structures, farming, family businesses, trusts, and inherited wealth.  Her exceptional skills and dedication have earned her recognition as a Leading Individual & Recommended Lawyer by Legal 500 in 2023 and 2024. 

As a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), Lenore is actively involved in the STEP NI Committee, currently serving as the secretary. She is a member of the Law Society NI Elder Law Group and an associate member of The Association of Lifetime Lawyers. 

In addition to her professional achievements, Lenore is a passionate mentor, participating in the LSNI mentor steering committee. She mentors females at all levels through various programs, including SistersIn, QUB Women in Law, LSNI, and Women in Business NI. Her dedication to mentorship was recognised with the Outstanding Mentor award at the Women in Business NI Awards. 

Francesca is a dedicated Trainee Solicitor set to qualify in October 2025, specialising in criminal defence. She graduated with a First-Class Honours degree in Law before beginning her legal career as a Paralegal in 2021.  With a strong foundation in family law, civil litigation, and criminal defence, Francesca has developed a comprehensive understanding of legal practice. However, her passion lies in criminal defence, an area where female solicitors remain underrepresented. As she prepares for qualification, Francesca is focused on building her career by representing individuals facing prosecution and providing robust legal support in complex criminal cases. As one of few women in this area of law, she is determined to make a meaningful impact and contribute to greater diversity within the profession. 

I am an Associate in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution team at Arthur Cox. I joined the practice group in September 2024 upon qualification, having studied Law at Queen’s University and completing my training contract. I am currently enjoying the challenges of being a newly qualified solicitor and I am excited to bring my energy and enthusiasm to this new role as a Constituency Representative.  

Ruth graduated from The Queens University of Belfast in 2001 and then went on to study at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies in which she qualified with Distinction on 2003. 

Ruth joined the firm of TR Gibson & Co Solicitors as a solicitor in September 2003. Ruth specialises in property transactions both residential and commercial acting for individuals, institutions and Corporate Entities. Ruth also deals with Wills, Probate & Family including Divorce and Separation. Ruth is a keen swimmer and enjoys keeping active and fit and involving herself in the local community. 

Amber qualified as a solicitor in 2020 and has been with MacCorkell Legal and Commercial since beginning her traineeship. She currently works across corporate, litigation, and employment law.   Amber is passionate about having meaningful conversations around the challenges facing women in the legal profession—and, importantly, how these can be overcome.