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.

Alan is a Notary Public and a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners and currently heads up Murlands’ Private Client Department dealing with conveyancing, wills, trusts, administration of estates and related matters.

Alan has over 30 years’ experience in both domestic and commercial conveyancing and property matters and acts 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 in recent years.

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.  With his experience in both litigation and property matters, he is regularly called upon as an expert witness in professional negligence cases involving property.

A part-time Chairman of the Northern Ireland Valuation Tribunal, Alan also serves as a member of the Council of the Law Society of Northern Ireland and sits on a number of its committees including its Conveyancing and Property Committee which he currently chairs.

In his spare time Alan is a keen follower of rugby and can often be found on Friday nights 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 formerly played.

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”.