Carson McDowell

We’re proud to share that Carson McDowell has been named a finalist for Legal Firm of the Year at the British Business Awards 2026, in association with @NatWestGroup . This recognition acknowledges our commitment to outstanding performance, innovation, positive workplace culture, customer impact, and contributions to society. It reflects the high standards our team maintains and the exceptional service we deliver to clients throughout the UK and Ireland. Thank you to our clients for your continued trust, and to our people for the talent, collaboration and commitment that underpin everything we do. We’re looking forward to celebrating with fellow finalists at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on 30 April 2026. Read more here: carson-mcdowell.com/news-insights/…

Holly Cooper, Trainee Solicitor, outlines some key takeaways for businesses relying on commercial agreements with no specified periods of notice. Read more here shorturl.at/tyeD8

John Dugdale, a Partner in our Construction & Real Estate Litigation team, discusses a judgment of the UK Supreme that has provided clarity on the termination rights in the JCT Design and Build Contract—a standard form construction contract that is widely used in Northern Ireland and beyond. Read more here shorturl.at/HhatS

Genevieve Brindley, a Senior Associate in our Healthcare team, provides an overview of the personal injuries guidelines since their introduction in 2021. Read more here: shorturl.at/MYAYK

Emma Lewis, a Solicitor in our Healthcare team, highlights that The British Dental Association has recently called upon the Northern Ireland Minister for Health to urgently put measures in place to tackle the illegal, widespread issue of ‘pop-up’ dental clinics. Read more here shorturl.at/Kce8Z

Karla Dooey, Legal Director and Steven Burrows, Trainee Solicitor in our Commercial team highlight that @dryrobe recently succeeded in a trade mark infringement claim against a brand selling similar products. Read more here shorturl.at/YulGk

Kerry Teahan, Partner, highlights that The Competition and Markets Authority launched its expected market study yesterday into private dentistry in the UK, to review whether the market is working well for consumers. Read more here: shorturl.at/TijoY

James Milliken, an Associate in our Commercial team, examines a recent decision of the UK Supreme Court affecting the interpretation of patent law in the UK. Read more here shorturl.at/z8JzJ

We are delighted to recognise 11 newly qualified solicitors from our firm who were recently admitted to the Roll of Solicitors (Northern Ireland). Their achievement reflects both individual dedication and our continued investment in developing legal talent. As they begin advising clients across multiple practice areas, their progression further strengthens our teams and the depth of expertise we offer. Congratulations to each of them on reaching this important milestone.

Despite what the weather suggests, summer starts here at Carson McDowell! Our Vacation Scheme is officially open. If you are dreaming about the summer (or more importantly, your future legal career), apply today shorturl.at/k2Dgv #LegalCareers | @qubschooloflaw | @UlsterUniSchLaw

Ellen Donaghy, a Solicitor in our Healthcare team, highlights the Government’s plans to revoke the General Medical Council’s right to appeal decisions in fitness to practise cases. Read more here shorturl.at/rZClD

Kerry Teahan, a Partner in our Competition team, highlights that the UK Government has launched a consultation on significant proposed changes to the UK mergers and markets regime. Kerry breaks down what’s being proposed, what’s new and what it could mean for businesses. Read more here: shorturl.at/YcBNV

Kerrie Emerson, a Solicitor in our Banking & Finance team, shares insights on NI businesses preparing for investment. Read more here shorturl.at/812tF

Dan Muldoon, a Solicitor in our Commercial team, outlines why Northern Ireland is appealing to game developers, the key legal issues they face, and the practical steps required to safeguard a games business and its intellectual property from the outset. Read more here: h7.cl/1jFpr

Global beauty giant @Sephora has today made its highly anticipated debut in Northern Ireland with the opening of its first store in @Victoria_Square, Belfast. Emma Cooper, Partner in the Real Estate team at Carson McDowell, is proud to have acted on behalf of Sephora in securing the lease for this landmark letting. The transaction represents a strategic addition to Belfast’s evolving city centre offering. Learn more about our Real Estate team here: shorturl.at/OeVKW

Ciara Hanratty (Legal Director) and Danielle Sumner (Associate) in our Healthcare team, highlight the establishment of the Common Conditions Service available in pharmacies throughout Ireland in their recent article. Read more here shorturl.at/aVGD0

We spoke with Carson McDowell’s Managing Partner, Roger McMillan, to discuss the progress of the NCU Player Pathway partnership so far 🏏 Roger shared his thoughts on the development of our young cricketers and offered his best wishes for the upcoming tours. 🇿🇦🇮🇳 #carsonmcdowell

What’s up with a WhatsApp contract - can electronic messages create a contract to deal with land and property? Dylan Toner, a Solicitor in our Real Estate team, discusses this in his recent article. Read more here shorturl.at/wxbrX

Niamh Magee, a Legal Director within our Competition team, highlights that the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is taking a closer look at acquisitions within the care home sector. What does this mean for operators and the wider sector? Read more here shorturl.at/WgY3F