Carson McDowell

Carson McDowell is a commercial law firm based at Murray House in Belfast, with a second office in Dublin. William H Carson and Alexander McDowell established it in 1852. It describes itself as Northern Ireland’s largest independent law firm, with more than 230 people and 44 partners, and says more than half of Northern Ireland’s top 100 companies use it as their legal adviser.

A new leadership team

On 1 May 2026 Orlagh O’Neill became managing partner and Declan Magee senior partner. O’Neill trained at the firm and has been a partner and head of its employment team since 2009. She oversees operational strategy, performance, people and internal platforms. Magee joined in 1995 and has led the litigation and dispute resolution team for more than 15 years. He leads strategic direction and external engagement.

“It is a privilege to take on the role of Managing Partner,” O’Neill said when the appointments were announced. In the same announcement the firm said it was expanding its Dublin office and that turnover had risen from £15m to more than £23m in recent years.

Turnover up 9%

The accounts of Carson McDowell LLP for the year to 30 April 2025, filed at Companies House in December 2025, show turnover of £23.2m, up from £21.3m, a rise of 9%. Profit available for division among members rose from £10.0m to £11.0m. The average number of people employed rose from 157 to 170, and staff costs rose from £7.6m to £7.9m.

The firm says it holds more top rankings in Chambers UK than any other local law firm and is ranked number one in Chambers UK and the Legal 500 across more areas of expertise than any other Northern Ireland firm. It is listed in the Belfast Telegraph Top 100 Companies and was shortlisted for Legal Firm of the Year at the British Business Awards.

For businesses, lenders and investors operating in Northern Ireland and across the border, the firm offers a full commercial practice from Belfast and Dublin. Its Dublin office is at 6 Northbrook Road in Ranelagh.