Millar McCall Wylie LLP > Belfast, Northern Ireland > Firm Profile

Millar McCall Wylie LLP
IMPERIAL HOUSE
4-10 DONEGALL SQUARE EAST
BELFAST
BT1 5HD
Northern Ireland

Insurance > Personal injury and clinical negligence: claimant Tier 1

Millar McCall Wylie LLP‘s practice covers all areas of personal injury, including road traffic accidents, employer liability, and industrial disease, but has a particularly strong clinical negligence offering. Caroline Prunty is team head and acts for claimants across UK jurisdictions, often before the High Court. William McSorley leads a hearing loss department within the firm, in addition to acting on other industrial injuries such as repetitive strain and diseases as a result of asbestos. Associate Ashley Black is perceived as ‘an exceptional young driven lawyer’.

Practice head(s):

Caroline Prunty

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Caroline Prunty is excellent and deals with cases and clients gracefully and effectively.’

‘Very strong innovative team.’

‘Ashley Black is standing out as an exceptional young driven lawyer in the jurisdiction.’

‘I find the team pragmatic, commercially aware and client-focused. They seek to represent their client’s position well, but will always strive to enter into meaningful negotiations, if possible, to ensure excellent settlements for their clients.’

‘William McSorley and Ashley Black are both highly effective lawyers.’

‘I appreciated the attention to detail and honest advice especially from William McSorley.’

‘I have found Caroline Prunty to be the stand-out partner among many within the MMW legal team who are excellent.’

‘They are courteous, well-informed and pay attention to detail.’

Work highlights

  • Advised a client on a £120,000 settlement for road traffic injury claim.
  • Advised a client on a road traffic accident claim that settled for £100,000.

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 1

Millar McCall Wylie LLP fields a team with experience in advising high-net-worth individuals on wills, estate planning, and property relief. Founding partner and practice head Conor Wylie is dual-qualified as a chartered tax advisor, resulting in an ‘unsurpassed knowledge of tax and trust‘. In addition to working within Northern Ireland, Wylie covers the Republic of Ireland and other international jurisdictions. Chief operating officer Christopher McCandless is a tax professional with an accountancy background and acts as a key team member in matters involving tax issues.

Practice head(s):

Conor Wylie

Testimonials

‘Commercial with excellent technical knowledge.’

‘Conor Wylie is the most technically aware partner within this sector in Northern Ireland.’

‘Conor Wylie has an exceptional all-round ability to advise on complex matters.’

‘Conor Wylie and Peter McCall are very good.’

‘Professional, effective, high level of client service.’

‘Conor Wylie is extremely professional, has an unsurpassed knowledge of tax and trust and always meets any target date.’

‘I found Conor Wylie to have a wide breadth of knowledge in inheritance law and tax and he was particularly innovative in dealing with some unique challenges and circumstances. He thought outside the box.’

Work highlights

    Corporate and commercial > Corporate and M&A Tier 2

    Millar McCall Wylie LLP is well known for its work with domestic owner managed businesses, with matters covering real estate, technology, and construction. The department has worked on sales, acquisitions, and equity funding, and has been increasingly active on high value matters involving multiple jurisdictions. Department head Damian McParland contributes experience in high value corporate deals, with major clients including Learning Pool Limited and Cookstown Cement. The team also benefits from the work of John Finnegan, who focuses on corporate governance and commercial contracts.

    Practice head(s):

    Damian McParland

    Other key lawyers:

    Testimonials

    ‘Excellent level of service. Very responsive and represent extremely good value for money – priced far more competitively than some of the biggest names in the Belfast legal market but provide service and insight on par with the best.’

    ‘MMW are far more proactive than a lot of firms out there, and proactively find solutions rather than problems, which is something that is really just something that other firms say, but MMW actually do.’

    ‘John Finnegan – strong all-rounder with good experience across a range of corporate transactions, but particularly robust on property finance transactions.’

    ‘Damian McParland – excellent lawyer with arguably the broadest skills base of any corporate lawyer in Belfast, with very strong commercial acumen. Has an excellent ability to surmise complex concepts into simple statements and documents, benefiting his clients and facilitating smooth transactions.’

    Key clients

    Learning Pool Limited

    Cirdan Imaging Limited

    Traction Finance

    McAleer & Rushe Group

    Whiterock Capital Partners

    Cordovan Capital

    Keystone Group

    Garvan O’Doherty Group

    MJM Group

    Cookstown Cement

    Work highlights

    • Acted for Learning Pool and its management team in one of the largest ever US investments in a Northern Ireland business which saw US based private equity firm Marlin Equity Partners buy out Carlyle Cardinal Ireland.
    • Advised Cirdan Imaging Limited in all aspects of the conversion to equity shares of a convertible loan from the British Governments Future Fund (through UK FF Nominees) and existing shareholders, following a ‘Non-Qualified Fundraising’ equity fundraising round.
    • Acted for Cookstown Cement in the acquisition of LaFarge Ireland Limited.

    Northern Ireland > Dispute resolution Tier 2

    Millar McCall Wylie LLP continues to attract new sources of work, and boasts key clients in the Northern Ireland film industry, such as Northern Ireland Screen and Draugr Limited. The ‘professional and personally dignifiedCaroline Prunty leads the team, and has more than thirty years of experience in the practice area. Among her areas of expertise are construction disputes, contentious procurement, and banking litigation. Jan Cunningham acts on shareholder, partnership and contractual disputes, with a niche practice in sports and media. William McSorley covers insurance litigation and liability claims. Associate Ashley Black is also noted.

    Practice head(s):

    Caroline Prunty

    Other key lawyers:

    Jan Cunnningham; William McSorley; Ashley Black

    Testimonials

    ‘Very easy to work with, good communications throughout the process.’

    ‘William McSorley put me at ease, was reassuring and clear with his communications.’

    ‘I will forever be indebted to Caroline Prunty for the depth of understanding she had of the circumstances I found myself in.’

    ‘Very attentive and understanding and answer queries and respond to phone calls and emails very promptly.’

    ‘Excellent level of service. Very responsive and represent extremely good value for money – priced far more competitively than some of the biggest names in the Belfast legal market, but provide service and insight on par with the best.’

    ‘Caroline is a really experienced litigator and is fearless. She calmly, but ferociously defends her corner and is the go-to person for all litigation disputes as far as I am concerned.’

    ‘I have always had great success with Caroline and her team, Ashley Black is also an exceptional solicitor.’

    ‘Caroline and her team, in my opinion, are the best in the business because of their great attitude with clients and their ability to problem solve any issues without all the drama.’

    Key clients

    SERE Group Limited/SERE Holdings Limited

    Jet Assist (Aviation) Limited

    Northern Ireland Screen

    Draugr Productions Limited

    Learning Pool Limited

    Moffett Belfast CP Limited

    De Rigo Refrigeration (SRL)

    Cirdan Imaging Limited

    Loral Developments Limited

    LCC Group Limited

    Work highlights

    • Acted on behalf of the Plaintiff in a claim for approximately £1,000,000 against a contractor on the grounds of negligence in or about the provision of ground survey work.
    • Acted in a shareholder dispute in relation to a company whose main business was potato processing and with assets worth approximately £5,000,000.
    • Acted in the Republic of Ireland against the Health Service Executive in respect of the decision of a public body to not award our client a €12,000,000 contract for the provision of an emergency air ambulance service.

    Finance > Banking and finance Tier 2

    Millar McCall Wylie LLP is a domestic firm that fields a team of ‘exceptionally good lawyers‘. The practice acts across the whole range of NI finance providers, working with peer-to-peer lending platforms, private investors, and overseas funds, in addition to the established local banks. Co-head and founding partner Peter McCall specialises in property finance and security. John Finnegan, with whom McCall jointly leads the team, is relationship manager for the major lender clients and is particularly active in construction financing. Simon Fleming has substantial experience in the refinancing of large-scale loans.

    Practice head(s):

    John Finnegan; Peter McCall

    Other key lawyers:

    Testimonials

    ‘They go out of their way to make themselves available. Will pick up the phone to discuss commercial solutions to issues encountered rather than present roadblocks.’

    ‘Extremely open communication and focus is on finding ways to do things, rather than finding academic issues.’

    ‘MMW have an excellent team with a great depth of knowledge and experience.’

    ‘The banking team is strong and reliable on multijurisdictional deals.’

    ‘The MMW finance team stands out in the local market for its extremely commercial and client-focused approach.’

    ‘The entire team are exceptionally good lawyers.’

    ‘Very responsive and represent extremely good value for money – priced far more competitively than some of the biggest names in the Belfast legal market, but provide service and insight on par with the best.’

    ‘John Finnegan: strong allrounder with good experience across a range of corporate transactions, but particularly robust on property finance transactions.’

    Key clients

    Danske Bank

    Bank of Ireland

    Assetz Capital

    Whiterock Capital Partners (Growth Finance Fund, Growth Loan Fund)

    Blend Loan Network

    First Trust

    Fairfield Real Estate Finance Services Ltd

    McAleer & Rushe Group

    Garvan O’Doherty Group

    Meridian Trust Company

    Work highlights

    • Advised Collinbridge Finance on a facility in favour of a residential property development group for the construction for a major bypass/relief road at Ballyclare.
    • Advised local property firm in relation to the acquisition of a landmark Belfast city centre hotel and related finance.
    • Advised major locally-based manufacturer and exporter of medical equipment on the conversion to equity shares of a convertible loan from the British Governments Future Fund (through UK FF Nominees).

    TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property Tier 2

    Millar McCall Wylie LLP is developing a strong IP practice in film and television, in addition to its existing specialisms in manufacturing, technology, and software. Corporate partner Damian McParland advises on intellectual property rights relating to investments and acquisitions across multiple sectors. Abbie Long is another name to note.

    Other key lawyers:

    Testimonials

    ‘Excellent capability in the firm for IP.’

    ‘Knowledgeable and professional in this area, which gives confidence to the client.’

    ‘They look to develop a partnership with their clients, and really understand the business they are advising on.’

    Key clients

    Learning Pool Limited

    Cirdan Imaging Limited

    Causeway Sensors Limited

    Kanisi Limited

    Keystone Group

    iGame Media

    Stormharvester Ltd

    Makematic Limited

    Northern Ireland Screen

    Humain Limited

    Work highlights

      TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 2

      Millar McCall Wylie LLP advises a wide range of technology start-ups on contractual and corporate matters and is developing a reputation in media and TV production work. Corporate partner Damian McParland and Abbie Long are other key contacts.

      Other key lawyers:

      Key clients

      Learning Pool Ltd

      Kanisi Ltd t/as Rotor Videos

      Retinize Limited

      Causeway Sensors Ltd

      Humain Ltd

      StormHarvester Ltd

      Makematic Ltd

      Viberoptix

      iGame Media Ltd

      Cirdan Imaging Ltd

      Work highlights

        Northern Ireland > Employment Tier 3

        Millar McCall Wylie LLP‘s ‘involved and empathetic‘ team provides advice on all aspects of TUPE and is active for both domestic NI clients and national level employers such as Games Workshop and Avon Cosmetics. Practice head Jan Cunningham is a leading figure in sporting law, informed by his background as a professional rugby player, with the caseload featuring his representation of Ulster Rugby on contractual issues and other high-profile matters. Associate David Mitchell, who specialises in non-contentious employment law, is increasingly gaining in profile.

        Practice head(s):

        Jan Cunningham

        Other key lawyers:

        Testimonials

        ‘The employment team at MMCW offers a service that feels personal. The team is lead by Jan Cunningham who is very approachable and provides advice and guidance that considers the legal aspect, but also the practical implications!’

        ‘Key strengths include the ability to build good relationships, communication, honesty, consistency and availability.’

        ‘Communication was frequent, you are kept up to date at all stages of the process.’

        ‘Unique understanding of the practical application of law in the field of professional sports.’

        ‘Jan’s dedication and commitment is outstanding.’

        ‘No issue is too big or too small, all advice is backed up with legal assurances and practical examples which can be applied in practice.’

        ‘I have found working with MMW a breath of fresh air and almost as if we are part of the same firm, working collaboratively to reach the same goal.’

        ‘I could not have asked for a more involved and empathetic team to work with. Their attention to other stakeholders was outstanding and I feel privileged to have them in my network.’

        Key clients

        Irish Rugby Football Union – Ulster Branch

        FP McCann Ltd

        Hexagon

        Keystone Lintels Ltd

        Tobermore Concrete

        Inter Terminals Denmark Ltd

        Northern Ireland Screen

        Avon Cosmetics

        Learning Pool Ltd

        Games Workshop Ltd

        Work highlights

          Projects, energy and natural resources > Energy, project finance and PFI Tier 3

          Real estate > Commercial property Tier 3

          Millar McCall Wylie LLP has strong relationships with both domestic NI and international clients. Founding partner Peter McCall is department head and offers more than 25 years’ experience in the practice area. Simon Fleming acts for investors, retailers, landlords and developers, with recent highlights including assisting with the property restructuring of the MJM Group during a major refinancing. Associates Michael Wilson and Neil McCreadie are other key contacts.

          Practice head(s):

          Peter McCall

          Testimonials

          ‘The lawyers consistently understand the commercial issues as well as the legal issues and are there to provide advice which takes into account of the realities of the commercial world.’

          ‘My main contact is Peter McCall who is universally regarded as one of the leading commercial property lawyers in Belfast and invariably has his finger on the pulse of the market. He has an eye for the big picture and has an enviable reputation for getting the deal done.’

          Key clients

          McAleer and Rushe Group

          Fairfield Real Estate Finance

          Consolidated Property Group (CPG Wallop)

          Peacocks/Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group of Companies

          NFU Mutual

          Monsoon/Accessorize

          CBRE Global Investors

          MJM Group of Companies

          Card Factory

          Hays Travel

          Tata Steel

          Jollyes

          Scottish Power Renewables

          Portman Healthcare

          Warren James Jewellers

          Moffett Group of Companies

          LCC Group of Companies

          Schuh

          EuroChange

          Work highlights

          • Advised Magmel (Ballymena) Limited on the acquisition of the Fairhill Shopping Centre, Ballymena.
          • Advised CPG Wallop on the acquisition of the Kilroot Business Park, Carrickfergus.
          • Advised MK6 Limited on the acquisition of the former Park Inn Hotel, Belfast and the associated offices.

          Millar McCall Wylie is one of the leading law firms in Northern Ireland, with a particular reputation for media and entertainment law and media finance law, for which it is considered a ‘go to’ firm.

          The firm: Millar McCall Wylie was founded in 1997, and has rapidly expanded, with two offices in Belfast. Since 2015 eight new solicitors have been recruited to enable the firm to service its ever-expanding market share of commercial legal work in Northern Ireland.

          Established with the ethos of being vibrant and well able to respond to clients’ needs with a refreshing, straightforward and practical approach, MMW is personable and communicative to the individuals who instruct it and constructive in dealing with colleagues in the profession. All this, while maintaining respect for clients’ time and dealings.

          Media and entertainment law and media finance law are particularly niche areas in Northern Ireland and the firm dominates these markets for local and multinational clients, with major media television projects under its belt. Other particularly strong areas include employment law, corporate and M&A and commercial property, all of which have grown rapidly in the past two years, and the firm anticipates further growth across all areas, particularly as the Irish economy continues to recover from the legacy of the financial crash of 2008.

          Types of work undertaken
          Corporate and M&A: the department has seen a marked increase in the quantity and value of its transactional work in the past year and has recruited to meet demand. It has an established reputation for advising clients in relation to M&As and corporate restructuring, and has a growing reputation acting in inward investment transactions.

          Commercial property: the team has earned a considerable market share of retail work in Northern Ireland and acts for local, national and international investors in the acquisition and disposal of real estate. The firm continues to win new high-profile clients in a re-emerging real estate market.

          Dispute resolution: the team acts for both plaintiffs and defendants in all areas of commercial litigation at High Court and county court level. With qualified mediators, the team has expertise in ADR. The department has considerable recent experience in director disqualification and banking litigation actions.

          Employment: the employment team acts for a considerable number of local and national employers in contentious and non-contentious matters. It provides support to the corporate and insolvency teams on all employment aspects of transactions.

          Energy: the firm acts for a number of established energy suppliers and providers on regulatory, property, corporate, planning and contentious matters. It also advises businesses and landowners who are moving into renewable energy markets.

          Finance: the firm acts for a number of local and national lenders in all aspects of secured and unsecured lending. In addition the team continues to advise lenders and borrowers alike on the implication and realisation of existing security.

          Insolvency: the firm advises on all aspects of insolvency law and procedure, as well as corporate recovery and restructuring. It acts for receivers and administrators in enforcement of security and realisation of assets.

          Media and entertainment: the firm has a pre-eminent film and television development and production team in Northern Ireland, having represented the Northern Ireland Screen Commission for over a decade on hundreds of feature films, television, regional language, digital media and website development, production and funding projects. The team’s clients range from local independent film, television and theatre producers to multinational and mass-media corporations. Millar McCall Wylie recently worked on contracts for Game of Thrones series 7 and The Lodge, to name just two recently completed projects.

          Private client: MMW’s department head is a chartered tax advisor and offers specialist advice to high-net-worth clients and accountants in relation to trusts, tax planning and wills.

          DepartmentNameEmailTelephone
          Managing partner Peter McCall
          Corporate/commercial Damian McParland
          Property Peter McCall
          Energy Simon Fleming
          Dispute resolution Caroline Prunty
          Employment Jan Cunningham
          Private client Conor Wylie
          Number of UK partners : 10
          Number of other UK fee-earners : 15