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Niall Blackie gained his LLB Degree at Exeter University. He joined the Firm in 1979, qualifying as a solicitor in 1981 and becoming a Partner in 1984. On 1 April 2011 Niall became Senior Partner of the Firm.

Niall specialised initially in litigation matters, particularly in commercial disputes and injunctive relief. He then acquired experience in town and country planning and compulsory purchase matters, with particular emphasis on advocacy at all types of inquiries. One of his most notable successes involved the case known as "The Wroxeter Wine Case", which he took the House of Lords to redefine the definition of "agriculture".

Niall is a Solicitor-Advocate (Civil) enabling him to act as an Advocate in the High Court, Court of Appeal and House of Lords as well as in all tribunals. He attained his qualification as a Legal Associate of the Royal Town Planning Institute in 1988 and is a member of the Law Society's Specialist Planning Panel.

He is a member of the Newport and District Agricultural Society and in addition, Niall is Diocesan Registrar to the Diocese of Lichfield, Legal Secretary to the Bishop of Lichfield and Registrar to Lichfield Cathedral.

Niall is ranked as a leading individual in the 2011 Chambers UK Directory.  "Niall Blackie has a highly regarded planning practice and handles much of his own advocacy."  In addition, Niall is recognised as a "leader in his field"  and ‘very thorough and personable’ in the Legal 500 Directory, for his work as a member of the Firm's Agricultural & Rural Services Team.
 

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Most recently Niall has been short listed in the Solicitor Advocate category of The Law Society Excellence Awards, which is testament to his skill and expertise in his practice area.