A native of Downpatrick, Alan was educated at Down High School and Queen’s University, Belfast where he attained his law degree in 1983. He was admitted as a solicitor in Northern Ireland in 1985 and in England and Wales in 2008.

Alan joined Murlands in 1984, becoming a Partner in the firm in 1988. He has been Senior Partner since 2014, when he was also appointed as a Notary Public.

Alan previously headed Murlands Property Department and has 4 decades of experience in all aspects of conveyancing both residential and commercial. He also specialises in wills, trusts, administration of estates and related matters and is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

Alan continues to act for several local property developers. He was closely involved in Murlands’ role as a “pilot” firm in advising and helping the Land Registry of Northern Ireland in the development and introduction of its Landweb and e-registration systems.

He also has extensive experience in Litigation, Commercial and Insurance Law and continues to take a close interest in the Defence Litigation Department of the firm which he previously headed for many years. He has acted for a number of leading Insurers in the defence of Public, Employers’, Motor and Tour Operators’ Liability cases. He holds the Law Society of Northern Ireland / National Institute for Trial Advocacy’s Certificate in Advanced Advocacy and is a member of the Forum of Insurance Lawyers and an Associate Fellow of the Society for Advanced Legal Studies.

Alan also formerly served as a member of the Council of the Law Society of Northern Ireland and continues to serve as a member of its Professional Liability Committee.

He also served as a Chairman of the Northern Ireland Valuation Tribunal from 2012 to 2025.

Alan’s current role as Senior Partner is in a more strategic and managerial role, contributing to and directing the oversight and progression of the firm, conducting file reviews and evaluations and mentoring younger colleagues to ensure his knowledge and experience is passed on to future generations of Murlands’ solicitors for the benefit of our clients.

In his spare time Alan is a keen follower of rugby and can often be found at weekends at Ravenhill supporting Ulster and at the Aviva stadium following Ireland in the 6 Nations. He also continues to be a member of, and takes a close interest in, Ballynahinch RFC for whom he played for many years.

What his clients say:

“As always we have found Murlands Solicitors and Alan Reid in particular to give first class service”.

“Everyone was very helpful and the service was excellent. I would recommend the company to anyone”.

“I have been most grateful to Alan for all the advice and recommendations to me with reference to the sale of my property. Advice is always given in a clear and understandable manner and efficiently executed”.