Carson McDowell maintains top position in the 2022 legal directory, The Legal 500

Belfast-based law firm Carson McDowell has maintained its position at the top of the legal profession’s industry guide, The Legal 500.

Carson McDowell achieved ‘Tier 1’ rankings in 11 practice areas in the 2022 edition of The Legal 500 guide, more than any other Northern Irish law firm.

In addition, 12 of the firm’s lawyers have been recognised as ‘Leading Individuals’ in their practice areas, and notably, 9 lawyers have been honoured for their continued excellence as leading elite lawyers on a global basis in The Legal 500 Hall of Fame.

The Legal 500 directory is an independent series widely regarded as the world’s most extensive legal referral guide. Each year over four million users visit The Legal 500 website, where firms and individuals are recommended purely on merit. Published annually, the rankings are based on the independent opinions of clients and in-depth research carried out by an experienced team of editors.

The 2022 rankings demonstrate the excellence and expertise of the firm’s team of multidisciplinary legal professionals. Clients, who were contacted by The Legal 500, said the firm’s lawyers “provide an excellent service with detailed, quality advice”, are “the most formidable in NI” and “go the extra mile to ensure we receive excellent customer service.”

Commenting on the firms continued strong performance, Managing Partner, Roger McMillan said:

“We’re very pleased to see our practice areas continue to be recognised in the 2022 Legal 500 guide. This is a great testimony to the hard work of the entire team at Carson McDowell.”

“Carson McDowell has always been 100% focused on delivering for our clients. We are fortunate to represent a range of commercially sophisticated local businesses and high-profile international clients operating in and from Northern Ireland.”

“It has been another year of uncertainty for businesses with the ongoing impact of the coronavirus pandemic and the effects of Brexit causing many challenges. At Carson McDowell, we have continued to concentrate our efforts on supporting our clients and I am very proud of the contribution that our people have made across multiple service lines to help our clients to adapt and adjust.”

Carson McDowell employs 117 solicitors, over two thirds of whom are women, bringing its total headcount to more than 180 people.

Neasa Quigley, Senior Partner at Carson McDowell, added: “Carson McDowell has long had a policy of hiring and developing the best talent. This years’ Legal 500 announcement comes amidst another exciting period of growth at the firm. In the past year, we have made 17 new lawyer appointments and awarded 18 promotions across our teams, highlighting our ongoing commitment to delivering the highest levels of service.”

Neasa added:

“I would like to extend our thanks to our clients who continue to support Carson McDowell in being the highest-ranked Northern Irish law firm in The Legal 500 directory. I know our clients value the expertise our teams provide and the 2022 rankings for our practice areas and individuals echo this feedback.”

The Legal 500 is one of the two most respected industry guides. The second, Chambers UK, which ranks the best law firms and lawyers, covers 50 cities and counties in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland is also published annually. Based on extensive research and the independent opinions of clients, the rankings are due for release in late October.