Millar McCall Wylie LLP > Belfast, United Kingdom > Firm Profile

Millar McCall Wylie LLP
EASTLEIGH HOUSE
396 UPPER NEWTOWNARDS ROAD
BELFAST
BT4 3EY
United Kingdom

Insurance > Personal injury and clinical negligence: claimant Tier 1

Millar McCall Wylie LLP covers all areas of personal injury and clinical negligence, with expertise in road traffic accidents, industrial disease issues, and employer liability claims. Team lead Caroline Prunty has more than 30 years’ experience, and is recognised by clients as ‘a master of her trade‘; her practice includes handling accidents at work, employer and public liability claims, and significant injury claims involving minors. William McSorley leads the hearing loss team within the department, and has expertise in industrial diseases such as vibration white finger and asbestos-related diseases. ‘Well-respected’ associate Ashley Black is a key name.

Practice head(s):

Caroline Prunty

Other key lawyers:

William McSorley; Ashley Black; Louise McNally

Testimonials

‘MMW take a collaborative approach to the benefit of their clients when dealing with experts and opponents. MMW have a highly experienced Disease Team and have a good reputation among their clients and is known as a market leader among other similar firms within the jurisdiction.’

‘Caroline Prunty is a stand-out litigator and is well respected among her peers not only within the firm but throughout the jurisdiction. She is recognised as one of NI’s leading Personal Litigators and has successfully represented many clients in relation to serious medical negligence injury, and she is a qualified mediator.’

‘Ashley Black is an associate and is well respected among his team. He is an experienced disease litigator. He has a wealth of experience in pursing a variety of personal injury claims.’

‘I think the biggest strength that Millar McCall Wylie have is their communication. Our case felt personal from the outset, we were updated throughout, and it was made to feel as important to them as it was to us. They explain everything thoroughly, putting it in layman’s terms or giving examples, so you understand everything in the process.’

‘They made us feel like they really cared and that we mattered. Caroline Prunty was so good at facilitating calls around my work hours and gave us all the information allowing us to make informed decisions about our case.’

‘The personal injury team led by Caroline Prunty are outstanding in every way. Caroline’s knowledge and ability to get the job done is extremely impressive. The level of client service is second to none. Each time I spoke with Caroline and the team I was made to feel extremely welcome.’

‘Caroline Prunty is a master of her trade. At all times, she kept me updated as to my case, which instilled a confidence that she would be successful in winning my case. Caroline explained every step of the procedure, and ensured that I was not only well updated but that I understood the process.’

‘Caroline Prunty – excellent solicitor. William McSorley runs the hearing loss department like a well-oiled machine. William deals with hundreds of cases each year without difficulties. Ashley Black, a rising star, deals with a huge number of cases.’

Work highlights

  • Advised a client on a High Court employer’s liability claim.
  • Advised a client on a £42,500.00 settlement for a complex asbestosis claim.
  • Instructed on a catastrophic personal injury claim with a cross-border element.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and M&A Tier 2

Millar McCall Wylie LLP is highly active on behalf of local entrepreneurs, owner managed businesses, and private equity funds, and handle a broad array of corporate transactions. Damian McParland, who heads the team, is experienced in leading large scale M&A and corporate finance transactions, including high value matters involving multi-jurisdictional teams of lawyers. John Finnegan provides expertise in corporate finance and corporate governance. Associate director Louise Cavanagh is a key name for the drafting and negotiation of commercial agreements.

Practice head(s):

Damian McParland

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘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.’

‘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.’

‘Louise Cavanagh – Strong all-rounder with good experience across a range of corporate transactions. Very diligent and well organized, and is very good at driving transactions forward and keeping momentum in transactions for the benefit of her clients.’

‘Damian McParland is very good at focusing on what really matters. We trust Damian to provide highly commercial advice. He is very responsive and available when we need him! Louise Cavanagh is also very good at focusing on what matters.’

Key clients

Cardinal Capital

LCC Group Limited

Traction Finance Limited

Fairfield Finance

McAleer & Rushe Group

Whiterock Capital Partners

Maine Surface Finishing Limited

Learning Pool Limited

Keystone Group

MJM Group

Work highlights

  • Acted for Cardinal Capital, in their multimillion pound investment in Uform which was one of the largest private equity investments in Northern Ireland this year.
  • Acted for LCC Group Limited in its purchase of Lafarge Cement Ireland in one of the largest trade sales in Northern Ireland this year.
  • Acted for Traction Finance and its founders in its partial sale to Radius Vehicle Solutions, seeing the English company expand into the North and South of Ireland.

Northern Ireland > Dispute resolution Tier 2

Millar McCall Wylie LLP provides specialist expertise in disputes arising in a diverse range of sectors, including construction, financial services, and insurance. Team lead and founder of the department Caroline Prunty has expertise in contentious procurement, real estate disputes, and complex contractual disputes. Core team members include Jan Cunningham, whose specialism is shareholder and partnership disputes, and William McSorley, a leading name for insurance litigation and liability claims. Associate director Emma Rooney and associate Ashley Black are key names.

Practice head(s):

Caroline Prunty

Testimonials

‘I’m of the opinion that MMW provide an excellent service for their clients. The solicitors’ interaction with the client is outstanding, as they are problem solvers.’

‘Caroline Prunty continues to be one of the very best litigators in this jurisdiction. Not only is she an exceptionally experienced solicitor, she is a great team leader. Caroline has the ability to bring out the very best of the other solicitors and support team in her department.’

‘Very professional in their approach to my specific case.’

‘Prompt response to queries. Professional. Regular updates.’

‘Millar McCall Wylie provide an excellent dispute resolution service with a close-knit team of highly capable professionals led by Caroline Prunty. They are highly responsive and excellent availability at partner level.’

‘Caroline Prunty is a hands-on litigator who provides exceptional service to her clients. She is dedicated and always practical in her advice.’

‘MMW have established themselves as the go-to firm in the NI market and the perfect alternative to the large/international/corporate outfits. Their external thought leadership/know-how content is also excellent.’

‘Caroline Prunty and Ashley Black are hugely impressive in commercial litigation.’

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

LCC Group Limited

Work highlights

  • Acted on behalf of the Plaintiff in their claim for approximately £1,000,000 against a contractor on the grounds of negligence in or about the provision of ground survey work.
  • Acted on behalf of a shareholder in respect of a dispute with the other shareholder in relation to a company whose main business was potato processing and with assets worth approximately £5,000,000.
  • Instructed by our client, a company specialising in the provision of emergency air ambulance services, to take immediate legal action 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 contract for the provision of an emergency air ambulance service.

Finance > Banking and finance Tier 2

Millar McCall Wylie LLP is highly active on behalf of local banks and alternate lending clients, including peer-to-peer lending platforms, overseas funds, and private investors. John Finnegan and Peter McCall lead the team. Finnegan focuses on corporate finance matters, and the securitisation of non-property assets, while McCall specialises in property finance and security. Damian McParland is a key name for corporate aspects of secured lending.

Practice head(s):

John Finnegan; Peter McCall

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘We found this firm to be very professional and knowledgeable in the areas we worked together.’

‘John Finnegan was our contact in MMW. We found his attitude to be professional yet relaxed, which made for a great working relationship.’

‘Accessible, customer focused, proactive, offers solutions, support of a full services business that brings market leading expertise to every issue.’

‘The team and in particular John is a pleasure to work with. Speed of response is a key component of our business model, and the firm deliver this in every aspect of their work.’

‘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 – Excellent all-rounder with good experience across a range of corporate transactions, but his specialism in banking and finance transactions is as good as anything in the local market.’

Key clients

Danske Bank

Bank of Ireland

Assetz Capital

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

Blend Loan Network

First Trust/Allied Irish Bank

Fairfield Real Estate Finance Services Ltd

McAleer & Rushe Group

Funding 365 Limited

Ortus Secured Finance

Work highlights

  • Advised Cardinal Capital Group on financing its investment in UForm.
  • Advised Lagan Investments/Collinbridge Finance on its provision of finance to Clover Group for its acquisition of the landmark Belfast hospitality venue, the Eglantine Inn.
  • Advised Keystone Group on its group finance facility from Danske Bank.

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 2

Work highlights

Real estate > Commercial property Tier 2

Millar McCall Wylie LLP‘s growing team is active on a range of investment, property finance, landlord and tenant, and energy work for domestic and international clients. The practice demonstrated particular strength over 2022 in the acquisition of large retail and industrial schemes. Name partner Peter McCall leads the department, and has expertise in the acquisition of investment portfolios. Simon Fleming is noted for his work in the retail sector, and acts for investors, landlords, and developers. Neil McCreadie and Michael Wilson, both of whom made associate director in 2022, are prominent names.

Practice head(s):

Peter McCall

Other key lawyers:

Simon Fleming; Michael Wilson; Neil McCreadie; Patricia Arrell; Conor Wylie

Testimonials

‘The firm’s partners, solicitors and admin staff have always treated me with a level of professional courtesy I have not witnessed, to the same degree, elsewhere. Such is their attention to detail that they make me feel as if I am their only client.’

‘When dealing with Millar McCall Wylie you are made to feel as if you are a part of their team rather than just a fee paying client – something I have not witnessed elsewhere in the industry.’

‘In my experience, MMW are a well established dynamic practice with extensive local knowledge of the sectors they operate in. They have a diverse skill set and at all times have a market leading solicitor in the sector of consultancy advice they offer.’

‘1. Peter McCall. Driven, focussed and client orientated solicitor with excellent people skill. 2. Simon Fleming. Technically very competent solicitor giving property advice second to none.’

‘I would say without hesitation that Millar McCall Wylie is a safe pair of hands. You can place your trust in MMW and be confident you are receiving sage advice and direction with excellent communication throughout the process. MMW will not let you down.’

‘The team are consistent in their proactive approach to clients and have an immediate grasp of the issues at hand. The individuals I deal with are always at hand when you make contact and have an accurate, up-to-date position on each case.’

‘Simon Fleming – his communication, attention to detail, professionalism and understanding of the workings of the sector stood out during a recent transaction. Would highly recommend Simon and his expertise!’

‘Millar McCall Wylie provide exceptional client service and as a medium-sized local practice, provide a broad range of legal services to meet clients diverse legal needs. MMW can react quickly and efficiently and will do whatever it takes to meet deadlines without compromise.’

Key clients

MRP/McAleer and Rushe Group of Companies

Fairfield Real Estate Finance

Killahoey Limited (owner of Rushmere SC and RP)

Consolidated Property Group (CPG Wallop)

DRC Capital

LCC Group of Companies

NFU Mutual

South Bank Square Limited

Monsoon/Accessorize

MJM Group of Companies

Peacocks/Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group of Companies

Card Factory

Hays Travel

Tata Steel

Warren James Jewellers

Schuh

Jollyes

EuroChange

Scottish Power

Portman Healthcare

Cleary Construction Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Killahoey Limited, a JV Company in the acquisition of Rushmere Shopping Centre and Retail Park.
  • Advised LCC Group of Companies in the restructure of its facilities with Bank of Ireland.
  • Advised Connswater RP Limited on the acquisition of Connswater Retail Park, Belfast.

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

Millar McCall Wylie LLP‘s IP team has particular strength in the film and media sector. The group is also active on behalf of clients in the technology and software industries, with experience advising on both domestic and international matters. Damian McParland leads the team, and specialises in advising on intellectual property rights issues relating to investments and acquisitions. Media specialist Abbie Long covers IP ownership and licensing.

Practice head(s):

Damian McParland

Other key lawyers:

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

  • Advised Cirdan Imaging Limited on all aspects of the consortium agreement, including all issues regarding access and licensing of each party’s current IPR and a new IPR created during the project.
  • Acted for Arty Pictures in relation to production of a feature film provisionally entitled “The Last Rifleman” starring Pierce Brosnan and Clemence Poesy and with several high profile pre-sales.
  • Acted for Learning Pool in putting together a new master services agreement in relation to use of their services including online platform, e-learning, module creation tools and more.

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

Millar McCall Wylie LLP has key strength in the media sector, advising clients involved in digital content creation and delivery. Damian McParland leads the team, and is highly experienced in M&A and corporate matters. Media specialist Abbie Long advises on contracts, licensing, and terms and conditions.

Practice head(s):

Daminan McParland

Other key lawyers:

Key clients

Learning Pool Ltd

Kanisi Ltd t/as Rotor Videos

Retinize Limited

Nexus Point Ltd

Humain Ltd

StormHarvester Ltd

Makematic Ltd

Viberoptix

iGame Media Ltd

Cirdan Imaging Ltd

Work highlights

  • Advised Northern Ireland Screen in relation to a computer game project with Rocket Flair Studios with publisher Paradox Interactive.
  • Advised Northern Ireland Screen in relation to a computer game project provisionally entitled “Parcel Corps” with Billy Goat Entertainment and publisher Secret Mode Limited.
  • Acted for Company in review of several framework agreements in relation to provision of medical software and services in connection with same including review of IP licensing and ownership arrangements.

Northern Ireland > Employment Tier 3

Millar McCall Wylie LLP acts for local and international clients, with experience across numerous sectors. Department head Jan Cunningham handles TUPE matters, and is noted for his expertise in sporting law. Associate director David Mitchell covers unfair dismissal and discrimination law, and advises on employment aspects of mergers, acquisitions and takeovers.

Practice head(s):

Jan Cunningham

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Jan Cunningham is first-class; he provides excellent commercial, pragmatic advice.’

Key clients

Irish Rugby Football Union – Ulster Branch

FP McCann Ltd

Hexagon

Keystone Lintels Ltd

Tobermore Concrete Products Ltd

Inter Terminals Denmark Ltd

Northern Ireland Screen

Avon Cosmetics Ltd

Arthur J Gallagher & Co.

Games Workshop Ltd

Work highlights

  • Drafting a new contract for contracted player Will Addison, on behalf of the Ulster Branch of the Irish Rugby Football union.
  • Advising Scottish Power on the change of a service provider carrying out maintenance work at one of its sites in Northern Ireland.
  • Assisted Tobermore Concrete Products Limited with a matter which involved a former employee being in breach of restricted covenants and soliciting customers on behalf of their new employer.