Carson McDowell Strengthens Market-leading position in Chambers UK 2027

Carson McDowell is pleased to announce another strong performance in the Chambers UK 2027 Guide, reinforcing the firm's position at the forefront of the Northern Irish legal market. The latest results recognise the firm across 28 practice areas, up from 27, with 20 Band 1 practice rankings across the Chambers UK and High Net Worth guides.

This year, Carson McDowell is particularly pleased to have secured a new Band 2 ranking for its Charities team, while Personal Injury: Mainly Defendant was promoted from Band 2 to Band 1, further strengthening the firm's market-leading practice area rankings.

The Chambers UK 2027 Guide, and recently published High Net Worth Guide, also recognises the exceptional calibre of Carson McDowell’s lawyers, with 73 individual rankings and several notable promotions. Among the highlights, Fergal McGoldrick progressed to Band 1 in Defamation. Cathal O’Neill moved from Band 2 to Band 1 in Personal Injury: Mainly Defendant, and Niall Hargan achieved a new Band 1 ranking in Licensing. New rankings were also secured by Rachel McAdorey (Band 2, Professional Discipline) and Gary Adair (Band 3, Real Estate Litigation and Restructuring/Insolvency). Particularly encouraging was the progression of those promoted to partner in 2025, with Partners Rosie Timoney, Le-ann Campbell and Faye Phillips promoted to Up & Coming status, while Rosie also received a new ranking in Charities.

Commenting on the results, Orlagh O’Neill, Managing Partner at Carson McDowell, said:

“These results are driven by the exceptional people we have across Carson McDowell and the dedication they bring to delivering for our clients every day. I am particularly pleased to see so many colleagues recognised through new rankings and promotions, demonstrating the depth of talent within the firm and the strength of our next generation of leaders. The continued success of our teams, alongside the recognition of emerging talent, highlights the collaborative culture and commitment to excellence that underpins everything we do.”

Declan Magee, Senior Partner at Carson McDowell, added:

"Recognition across 28 practice areas, including a new ranking for Charities, reflects the breadth of expertise we provide to clients and their businesses and our ability to bring together specialists from across the firm to deliver joined-up, practical and commercially focused advice. The fact that these rankings are based on client feedback makes them especially significant, and we are grateful to everyone who took part in the research process and continues to place their trust in our people and our advice.”

The Chambers UK 2027 results follow another strong performance in The Legal 500 UK 2027 guide, published last month, where Carson McDowell retained rankings across 13 practice areas, including ten Tier 1 rankings and three Tier 2 rankings. The guide also recognised the continued progression of the firm's lawyers, with John Dugdale promoted from Next Generation Partner to Leading Partner and Faye Phillips progressing from Leading Associate to Next Generation Partner.

The Chambers UK guide is published annually and is based on extensive independent research and client feedback. A full list of Carson McDowell’s practice-area and individual lawyer rankings is available on the firm’s Chambers profile.