About

Provided by Carson McDowell

Carson McDowell has the largest corporate/M&A team in Northern Ireland. The firm acts for the majority of Northern Ireland’s Top 100 companies, as well as for many international clients looking to do business here. We are also the trusted local partner for leading international law firms requiring Northern Irish advice. We pride ourselves on the long term relationships of trust formed with our clients. As a result of these relationships we also follow our clients to the export markets in which they operate.

Our advice covers a full spectrum of corporate and transactional matters, including acquisitions and disposals, corporate finance, joint ventures, group reorganisations and corporate governance.

Our 6 partner team has a depth and range of experience that marks it out from others in the market. We also have available a range of complimentary specialisms not found in other firms, such as competition, health and safety and environmental.

We have particularly strong experience in energy, technology, food/agri, manufacturing, financial services and  construction/infrastructure sectors and have been at the forefront of the most significant transactions in these sectors in recent times.

Carson McDowell was the Legal 500 Law Firm of the year in 2014 and 2017.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers
Corporate/M&A - Northern Ireland
1
Band 1
What the Team is Known For

Carson McDowell is a prominent Northern Ireland firm that advises on matters ranging from acquisitions and disposals to corporate governance. It is noted for its specialist knowledge of the manufacturing and construction sectors and its strength in complementary disciplines such as competition, environmental and planning law. The team is well equipped to oversee deals spanning multiple jurisdictions.

Work Highlights

Provided by Carson McDowell
  • Carson McDowell advised the shareholders of Bywater Lignum on all aspects of its joint venture arrangement with Sumirin UK.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers
Neasa Quigley
1
Neasa Quigley
Head of Corporate/M&A
1
Band 1

Neasa Quigley co-heads the corporate department and maintains an excellent reputation for her market-leading transactional capabilities. She is frequently called upon to act on private equity and M&A deals on behalf of clients in the energy industry.

"If I need something on short notice, Neasa Quigley always finds someone to work for me."

"I have known Neasa for many years as a client and have the utmost respect for her both as a top lawyer and leader of the firm."

Richard Gray
1
Richard Gray
Head of Corporate/M&A
1
Band 1

Richard Gray is a foremost transactional practitioner, having advised on a number of complex and cross-border deals. He assists clients with M&A and other corporate finance concerns. Gray acts as head of the firm's corporate advisory and governance team.

"Richard Gray gives sensible advice and is very collected, with a calming way of dealing with complex matters."

"He provides a high level of advice, acumen and oversight to the projects that we engage on."

"His guidance and knowledge have been invaluable. We were very impressed with Richard and could not rate him highly enough."

Gerard Armstrong
2
Gerard Armstrong
2
Band 2

Gerard Armstrong demonstrates an excellent track record of advising local, national and international clients on complex transactional matters. He advises on deals arising in various sectors, including the waste and construction sectors, and also co-heads the corporate department.

"Gerard Armstrong provides an excellent service and indispensableadvice."

"Gerard is highly client-focused, very commercial and one of the most effective lawyers I have worked with."

"He has excellent legal knowledge and commercial sensitivity."

Hilary Griffith
2
Hilary Griffith
2
Band 2

Hilary Griffith acts for significant clients on all manner of corporate transactions and has considerable experience working with clients from the manufacturing and technology industries.

"Hilary's advice, knowledge, guidance and approach have been invaluable to us."

"Hilary was leading partner and was involved in all of the detail. She was fantastic."

"She has an incredible work ethic and offers practical guidance with an absolute focus on quality. She is outstanding!"

Paul McGuickin
4
Paul McGuickin
4
Band 4

Paul McGuickin impresses with his busy private equity practice. He is experienced in acting for both fund side and company side on venture capital and growth capital investments. He also frequently represents shareholders in the sale of their businesses.

"Paul McGuickin is a superb adviser with plenty of patience."

"He's an experienced commercial lawyer with excellent speed of response to even the most complex queries."

"Paul is professional, experienced, commercial and able to get the job done effectively."

Kathryn Laverty
Kathryn Laverty
Associates to watch

Kathryn Laverty advises clients on a range of traditional corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions.

"Kathryn's advice, guidance and knowledge has been invaluable."

"She is always available to discuss the project status, while keeping a keen eye on the potential ramifications of the decisions that have been made in a fast-moving environment."

"She's a highly competent lawyer with a broad depth of commercial understanding."

Rosie Timoney
Rosie Timoney
Associates to watch

Rosie Timoney works on a range of corporate mandates across various sectors. She has experience representing clients in both acquisitions and sales.

"Rosie always goes the extra mile and is an absolute credit to the firm."

"She is a very good, sensible, enthusiastic and hard-working lawyer."

"She's good - thorough and comprehensive, with great turnaround times too."

"Rosie has exceptional knowledge of her subject and justifiably a complete and detailed understanding of it."

"When she speaks to clients, she speaks with authority but in a personal, reassuring manner which reinforces confidence in her. She also delivers on time with no fuss."

Ranked Lawyers at
Carson McDowell

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Northern Ireland

Corporate/M&A

Neasa Quigley
1
Neasa Quigley
Head of Corporate/M&A
1
Band 1
Richard Gray
1
Richard Gray
Head of Corporate/M&A
1
Band 1
Gerard Armstrong
2
Gerard Armstrong
2
Band 2
Hilary Griffith
2
Hilary Griffith
2
Band 2
Paul McGuickin
4
Paul McGuickin
4
Band 4
Kathryn Laverty
Kathryn Laverty
Associates to watch
Rosie Timoney
Rosie Timoney
Associates to watch

Members

Provided by Carson McDowell

Industries

Provided by Carson McDowell

Construction

Energy

Financial Services

Food / Agri

Infrastructure

Manufacturing

Technology