Donegal’s legal dynasty: Ballybofey woman qualifies as county’s newest solicitor
The legal profession in Donegal has a new face, and her introduction to Letterkenny District Court came with a story of mentorship stretching back decades.
Ms Ceejay Byrne, from Ballybofey, was welcomed as the county’s newest practising solicitor at a sitting of Letterkenny District Court this week, joining McElhinney & Associates Solicitors in Stranorlar.
Introducing her to the court was veteran solicitor Mr Frank Dorrian, a man whose influence on the local legal profession spans generations. It was Mr Dorrian who first trained Ms Jolene McElhinney, now principal partner of McElhinney & Associates, in his own firm. Ms McElhinney has since gone on to train Ms Byrne, completing a remarkable three-generation chain of mentorship.
Ms McElhinney was unable to attend the sitting, with Mr Dorrian stepping in on her behalf. Mr Dorrian paid warm tribute to the new solicitor, telling the court that Ms Byrne had enjoyed a glittering academic career, attending St Columba’s College, Stranorlar before going on to Queen’s University Belfast. She has been working with McElhinney & Associates since her student days and commenced her traineeship in 2023.
With a touch of humour, Mr Dorrian noted that qualifying as a solicitor had become “progressively more difficult since I and my colleagues drifted through.”
Sergeant Jim Collins extended good wishes on behalf of An Garda Síochána, while Judge Emile Daly warmly congratulated Ms Byrne and her family.
“You’ll remember this day going forward, you are in good company,” the judge said.
Ms Byrne expressed gratitude to Ms McElhinney, the staff at McElhinney & Associates, and her family and friends, saying she looked forward to “many years practising in Donegal.”