Following last year’s tie-up of Foot Anstey and McKees, the firm has continued its growth trajectory with the announcement of two new Partners in Belfast.

Chris Milligan and Michael Kelly join the firm during a significant growth phase. Since the tie up in June 2025, the firm has made 10 new appointments in Belfast reflecting the strong momentum behind their growth and commitment to creating opportunities locally. 

The newly appointed Partners, Chris Milligan, a highly regarded energy/real estate lawyer and Michael Kelly, one of Northern Ireland’s leading real estate finance lawyers, will strengthen the firm’s real estate, energy and finance offering.

Chris joins following five years at Tughans and specialises in energy and infrastructure projects. Having delivered some of the highest-value transactions and pathfinder projects in Northern Ireland over the past decade, Chris brings with him first-rate expertise from major energy and infrastructure projects and real estate transactions across asset classes.

Michael joins from Shoosmiths’ Banking & Finance Team, where he gained recognition for work undertaken across real estate, energy finance, and interest rate hedging. Having completed some of the largest real estate finance deals in Northern Ireland – specialising in retail, living and leisure projects – Michael is also recognised as one of the leading energy finance lawyers.

Northern Ireland is home to a lively professional services sector and a gateway to the rest of Europe, so the build out of the team in Belfast is a strategic priority for the firm and as part of the Foot Anstey Group as it cements its influence across the UK.

Martin Hirst, Managing Partner of the Foot Anstey Group, comments:

"It is a pleasure to welcome two new Partners, Chris and Michael, to Foot Anstey McKees. As we build real momentum in the market, their wealth of experience and deep connections in the real estate, finance, and energy and infrastructure sectors will not only strengthen our position in Northern Ireland but also prove critical to the overall evolution of the firm.”

Chris Ross, Partner and Head of Belfast Office, comments:

“Welcoming two new Partners to our Belfast office is a clear reflection of the firm’s continued momentum and our long-term commitment to investing in our people and our presence locally. Their experience strengthens our offering and supports our ambition to grow in a way that is both sustainable and rooted in the communities we serve.”