Banking and finance Tier 1

Commercial property Tier 1

'An excellent firm with an impeccable tradition', Cleaver Fulton Rankin has 'one of the longest-established dedicated commercial real estate teams in Belfast'. The team's standout strength is in the retail sector, where it acts for retailers and owners of retail outlets on major transactions and agreements. Joe Marley leads the team and works alongside Kathryn Collie and Alan McAlister.

Construction Tier 1

Cleaver Fulton Rankin runs the gamut of contentious and non-contentious construction work, but is particularly known for representing public bodies including regional colleges and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. Patrick Fleming is described as'the best construction lawyer in NI' whose 'knowledge of construction contracts is unsurpassed'. Lisa Boyd adds another dimension to the practice with her joint expertise in both construction and procurement matters. Aaron Moore is particularly strong in professional negligence disputes, most notably in dilapidation claims.

Dispute resolution Tier 1

Cleaver Fulton Rankin excels in real estate and construction disputes, fielding a team of strong litigators, adjudicators and mediators. Practice head Patrick Fleming focuses on construction and procurement disputes, counting the Northern Ireland Housing Executive as a key client. Managing director Jonathan Forrester is also adept at construction litigation, and has carved an additional niche in representing charities and social enterprises, often working alongside fellow construction disputes specialist Lisa Boyd. Also highly recommended is insolvency expert Jeanette Donohoe who has represented financial institutions including HSBC, Bank of Ireland and Danske Bank.

Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 1

Cleaver Fulton Rankin is a key name in Northern Ireland for the management of major trusts, working with well-known clients such as Cancer Research UK and the Alzheimer's Society, which are attracted by its personable approach. For example, practice head Michael Graham 'brings a cheerful and inclusive demeanour to client meetings' where he 'ensures clients understand the details as much as possible'. Likewise, Timothy Rankin, who focuses on trust administration 'passes his knowledge to clients clearly and concisely'. Another important member of the team is Jonathan Forrester, who handles trust and probate litigation for a number of the firm's charity clients.

Corporate and M&A Tier 2

Cleaver Fulton Rankin's practice is led by Hilary Griffith, who has 'considerable corporate and M&A experience within Northern Ireland and beyond'  and is 'clear-thinking', 'practical' and 'capable of tailoring advice to an individual situation and explaining clearly.' As well as M&A, Griffith is also experienced in  management buy-outs, fund raisings and private equity investments, with a particular focus on the life sciences, higher education and technology sectors. Kathryn Laverty, who has 'good communication skills' and 'a can-do approach' was recently promoted to senior associate.

Employment Tier 2

With particular strength in advising public sector bodies and non-profit organisations, Cleaver Fulton Rankin has a full-service employment law practice with a notable focus on immigration issues and discrimination claims. Michael Black leads the team and has acted for clients in the Fair Employment and Industrial tribunals, particularly in equality and discrimination litigation.  Director Aisling Byrne is another key name, who regularly advises on issues relating to the island of Ireland.

Energy, project finance and PFI Tier 2

Cleaver Fulton Rankin advises on major projects in the region, encompassing mining, gas networks and wind and solar farms. Stephen Cross helms the team and advises both energy companies and financial sponsors on renewable energy projects in the region. The team also draws on the corporate expertise of Hilary Griffith and real estate experience of Joe Marley, who are both active in this sector.

Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 2

Cleaver Fulton Rankin is 'a young and vibrant firm with staff who are eager to deliver' and has assisted clients with resolving insolvencies through litigation, mediation and non-contentious means. Jeanette Donohoe heads up the practice and is particularly skilled in insolvencies involving property assets. Associate Maria McNally is 'very attentive both to clients and the detail required to get results.'

Intellectual property Tier 2

Cleaver Fulton Rankin assists a range of domestic clients with issues such as IP audits, agreements and disputes. Hilary Griffith leads the team and is an expert in IP issues relation to acquisitions and agreements, with a particular emphasis on the life sciences and technology sectors. Michael King is an expert in IP disputes, regularly resolving issues through litigation or mediation.

Planning and environment Tier 2

The 'very professional and knowledgeable' team at Cleaver Fulton Rankin, which is noted for its expertise on judicial reviews, represents a range of major local names such as Belfast City Airport and Translink. Firm chairman Karen Blair has 'a cool and calm nature' and has advised on a wealth of major developments in the area, particularly in areas such as mining, aviation and tourism. Associate director Brendan Martyn is also a key name and advises Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council on planning and public law matters.

Personal injury and clinical negligence: defendant Tier 3

Cleaver Fulton Rankin defends insurers, retailers and public bodies against personal injury claims. Michael King, who leads the team, has extensive experience of both personal injury and medical negligence claims. King is assisted by the 'very talented and hardworking' associate Rachael Gamble and associate Marc Kelly, who 'demonstrates a tactical awareness that belies his years'.