Well known solicitor James MacGuill dies aged 63

Well known solicitor, James MacGuill, has died at the age of 63. He died in hospital following a short illness.

Mr MacGuill, who was also a senior counsel, was involved in many high profile and significant cases during his 40 year career as a lawyer.

He recently represented a father who was wrongfully convicted of the female genital mutilation of his daughter.

The convictions of the man and his wife were overturned and were subsequently declared a miscarriage of justice by the Court of Appeal earlier this year.

Mr MacGuill was also involved in a case which led to the reform of the compensation scheme for victims of crime.

Mr MacGuill was a former president of the Law Society in 2007 and 2008. The society said it was saddened at the news of his death.