John was raised locally in the village of Crossgar where he undertook GCSEs at St Colmcille’s High School, before progressing to study A-levels at East Down Institute of Further and Higher Educations. John went on to study law with politics at Queen’s University Belfast graduating with a 2:1 degree in 2004.

John began working in Murlands in 2004 as a paralegal before undertaking his apprenticeship under the guidance of the firm’s late Senior Partner Barry Finlay in tandem with obtaining his professional qualification with the Institute of Professional Legal Studies, where he graduated with distinction in 2007. He was admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in the same year.

John was appointed as Partner in 2017 and now heads up the firm’s Private Client department. John’s areas of expertise include administration of estates, wills, capacity issues, trusts and conveyancing with a special interest in the often-complex matter of Inheritance Tax. As a probate expert, John will lead you through these frequently difficult processes using his practised knowledge and experience. He prides himself on his ability to deal with your query in a supportive yet efficient manner. John is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

John sits on the Council of the Law Society of Northern Ireland and serves on a number of its committees, as well as being a member of its Elder Law Group and Solicitors Remuneration Panel. In addition, he is Secretary to the Down District Solicitor’s Association.

John keeps busy in his spare time with an array of hobbies. He enjoys keeping fit and is a keen runner having undertaken the Dublin marathon in recent years and many half marathons. John is also involved in community work having served as Chair of the Board of Governors in a local school, as a member of the parish finance committee and currently a committee member of the local community association.

What his clients say:

“Kept abreast of proceedings at all stages. Delighted with the sensitive, professional way the whole process was carried out and concluded”.

“I always found the service to be beyond what would be normally expected.  The staff are always courteous and polite and I cannot speak highly enough of John O’Prey – Excellent”.

“It has been a pleasure to do business with you and I thank you for the efficient and friendly way it has been conducted”.