Foot Anstey expands in Belfast with two new Partners

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

Chris Milligan and Michael Kelly join during a significant growth phase following Foot Anstey having just appointed Stephen Arnold as its first Chief Client Officer (CCO), reinforcing the focus on client-centred growth and strategic clarity. 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 commercial real estate, energy and infrastructure 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, energy finance, and infrastructure sectors will not only strengthen our position in Northern Ireland but also prove critical to the overall evolution of the firm.”

Chris Milligan, newly appointed partner at Foot Anstey McKees, comments:

“I am thrilled to be joining Foot Anstey McKees, whose sector specialisms align closely with my own. The practice in Belfast is a platform that I look forward to building further, drawing on the collaborative culture fostered at the firm to bolster its already excellent reputation in my sector areas.”

Michael Kelly, newly appointed partner at Foot Anstey McKees, comments:

“It is without doubt a very exciting time to be joining Foot Anstey McKees. The firm is well positioned to leverage its capabilities and scale a sophisticated client base in Northern Ireland and beyond, so I very much look forward to playing my part.”