Allen & Overy has recruited 25 graduates to its legal services centre in Belfast, its largest ever intake.

According to the firm, it received 100 applications for the positions in its most recent round.

The graduates will hold legal professional positions and play an "integral role in the company's strategy to support future growth and innovation in Northern Ireland", a statement by the Magic Circle firm added.

Partner and head of the legal services centre Angela Clist added: "The legal services market is constantly changing, as our clients require law firms to innovate what they do and how they do it.

"Law firms need to ensure that client engagements are properly resourced and that they leverage the latest in legal technology."

A&O also expanded its Belfast base by launching Belfast training contracts in February 2019. Previously, Belfast graduates could only train via the chartered legal executive route.

Baker McKenzie offers two training contract seats to existing legal practitioners within its Belfast office each year.

Belfast expansion has continued to be a priority for many firms looking to prepare for the impact of Brexit and handle the ever-competitive nature of the industry.

Fieldfisher opened a legal solutions hub in Belfast in 2018, and doubled in size in the city in October 2019. Shoosmiths recently grew its office space in the region, and U.K. top 50 firm Keoghs launched in Belfast last year.