Professional Negligence
UK Guide 2025 : Northern Ireland
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(028) 9024 4951About
Provided by Carson McDowell
We are by far the largest team of lawyers in Northern Ireland specialising exclusively in the defence of professional negligence claims.
We act for a wide range of professional indemnity insurers both directly and via major law firms in England and the Republic of Ireland.
Our team of professional indemnity specialists offers true depth of experience, with highly experienced lawyers not just at partner level but also at associate and assistant level.
Due to the significant volume of professional indemnity work we handle, we have developed expertise in defence of claims across the professional indemnity spectrum, including claims against solicitors, architects, engineers, surveyors, accountants and financial advisers.
We regularly advise insurers on coverage and policy issues.
Our team is recognised as an authority in the area of professional indemnity and we are regularly approached to provide presentations on risk management and claims to professional bodies including the Law Society of Northern Ireland, to final year architecture students at Queen’s University and to construction industry bodies such as RICS, ACE and ICE.
Chambers Review
Carson McDowell has an exceptional practice that advises on all aspects of professional negligence, with regular work relating to solicitors' negligence. The firm is highlighted for its ability to handle complex mediations between multiple parties. The team is active in handling high-value claims against surveyors and architects, with clients including a wide range of market-leading insurers.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Carson McDowell is the market leader. They are receptive to client needs and have a diverse set of knowledge within the firm."
"Carson McDowell were responsive and provided good results."
"Carson McDowell is the market leader. They are receptive to client needs and have a diverse set of knowledge within the firm."
"Carson McDowell were responsive and provided good results."
Notable Practitioners
Hugh McGrattan continues to be highly respected for his longstanding experience in professional negligence matters. He acts for clients in a wide range of sectors, including the construction and legal industries.
"Hugh has an element of gravitas along with technical knowledge and commercial awareness."
"Hugh is very experienced and well regarded. He is very pragmatic and sensible."
Declan Magee is head of the litigation and dispute resolution team at the firm. He is well versed in handling a variety of professional negligence matters, including defending solicitors and finance professionals.
Timothy Cockram is a partner in the litigation and dispute resolution team at Carson McDowell. He specialises in professional indemnity and provides advice to a range of professionals, including solicitors, engineers, consultants, surveyors and architects.
"Timothy is responsive, efficient and provides good results."
"Tim has a keen interest in the law and is very thorough. He is good at delivering results."
Ranked Lawyers at
Carson McDowell
Northern Ireland
Clients
Provided by Carson McDowell
Law Society Master Policy Insurers in Northern Ireland
Industries
Provided by Carson McDowell
Construction
Financial services
Insurance
Medical (see separate submission)
Professional services