Cleaver Fulton Rankin > Belfast, United Kingdom > Firm Profile

‘The team is exceptionally hard-working and cannot do enough for their clients. As a large firm, they are well resourced and have access to a wealth of talent that many other firms can often be deficient in.’

‘Michael King is an exceptional lawyer who has a broad scope and very detailed knowledge in relation to dispute resolution covering commercial, intellectual property and personal injury. Michael has a great manner and calmness that is very reassuring to clients.’

‘CFR is a strong practice with excellent individuals throughout. It is a go-to firm for litigation, with a great reputation for dealing with the largest disputes.’

‘Jonathan Forrester is a market leader. He is respected throughout Northern Ireland as a leader in the industry. Rachael Gamble is a hugely capable individual.’

‘Client focused; experienced; authoritative.’

‘Aaron Moore – responsive and authoritative. Patrick Fleming – pleasure to work with; calm; highly knowledgeable.’

‘The advice is always sound, with a real focus on the practical commercial aspects being considered.’

‘Very proactive with clients and internally, knowledge and expertise second to none.’

‘I find the Cleaver Fulton Rankin private client team unique in Northern Ireland, with a dedicated team dealing exclusively with private clients wills, trusts, long term care planning and probate.’

‘I have dealt with Michael Graham, Timothy Rankin and Brid McColgan whom I find very knowledgeable, approachable and conscientious.’

‘Great team who are always very efficient and responsive with their work. Appear to work well together, covering projects successfully.’

‘Friendly, efficient and professional.’

‘CFR are a highly respected large legal practice in NI and have a brilliant reputation. I deal mostly with the private client team, who have extensive knowledge in this area.’

‘Tim Rankin and indeed Michael Graham are both highly respected as experts in their field and are always able and willing to help with advice for clients on all aspects including trusts, establishment of trusts and inheritance tax.’

‘Technically competent, easy to deal with and great with clients.’

‘Michael Graham and Timothy Rankin are excellent ambassadors for the firm and are always quick to respond to any queries raised.’

‘Cleaver Fulton Rankin’s real estate offering is in my view the best in Northern Ireland. They are superb, from the directors, right down to the junior lawyers. They have resourced the team with very smart people. They are just operating at a different level to their competitors.’

‘Joe Marley is a recognised leader in this field. He is exceptional and is the guy I would turn to before any other. He heads up the department and has led Cleaver Fulton Rankin’s commercial real estate team from strength to strength. Patrick O’Hanlon has just joined, which just adds to the team’s profile and offering.’

The real estate team at Cleaver Fulton Rankin is second to none. In our view, they are the best out there. They have a large team but are well represented at all levels. There is talent evident throughout the team, from their partners to junior solicitors. They clearly only recruit and retain the very best talent.’

‘Alan McAlister: Extremely personable, very experienced, having been working in the field for many years. Very well respected. We know Kathryn Collie because of her excellent reputation. Patrick O’Hanlon has recently joined and by all accounts he is an excellent lawyer, who really knows his stuff, with particular expertise in landlord and tenant issues.’

‘We have found dealing with CFR a pleasure, due to the strength and depth of the team, their quick response time in situations when time was at the essence.’

‘Joe Marley, Partner, attended to all our needs in a prompt manner and provided excellent advice as and when required, pre-empting issues arising.’

‘Paul McBride and Jonathan Braden provided exceptional legal representation during the sale of my company. At all times, I felt reassured that they were representing me in a professional manner.’

‘It was amazing to watch Paul calmly handle the buyer’s solicitor, who was clearly not relaxed and agitated. He didn’t skip a beat. Jonathan always explained things clearly and worked tirelessly to complete the process. Thank you’

‘CFR were outstanding dealing with our company sale.’

‘Jonathan Braden and Paul McBride were great.’

‘A truly exceptional team, incredibly knowledgeable, they are all encompassing in their advice and very aware of the practicalities of the commercial workplace.’

‘Having worked with both Michael Black and Suzanne Keenan on various matters over the last year, they both bring an insightful approach to managing ER matters.’

‘Reliable, responsive organisation providing good quality employment law advice.’

‘Michael Black has always demonstrated a high level of employment law expertise. He provides practical advice that is tailored to meet the needs of our organisation, and makes himself available at very short notice as needed.’

‘CFR’s specialist HR offering is a very user-friendly service, giving peace of mind and assuring us of timely responses to queries which are, by their nature, time-sensitive.’

‘Michael Black is an extremely competent professional – combining excellent technical knowledge with first-rate commercial awareness in terms of trying to resolve issues.’

‘They are my go to firm for difficult and complex banking matters in Northern Ireland. A really responsive team.’

‘This team is very responsive and commercial as well as being on top of their practice area. They are our go-to lawyers in NI.’

‘Jeannette Donohoe leads the practice and is very experienced. Her proactive commercial approach is valued by us. She is solution-driven.’

‘CFR enjoys a justifiable reputation for attention to detail and efficiency in speedily addressing litigation requirements and demands of the court.’

‘CFR has a team of experienced and commercial solicitors who are a pleasure to work with.’

‘Jeanette Donohoe (Partner) and Maria McNally (Associate Director) are exceptional solicitors. In addition to their extensive legal knowledge, they demonstrate a commercial attitude to the issues they are asked to consider.’

‘My overall impression of this practice is that of a very professional team with a wide range of expertise across many areas of law.’

‘Joe has great experience in this area and provides expert advice that is tailored to meet the specific needs of the business. Joe is very approachable and easily contactable.’

‘Strong depth of resource and highly competent and diligent team.’

‘Patrick Fleming – clear communicator. Always available and quick to address queries.’

‘A professional and competent service.’

‘Personable and approachable.’

‘Expert knowledge, excellent response time, excellent client management and always available.’

‘Ability to provide advice in a clear, easily understood fashion which allows the client to make decisions on an informed risk basis.’

‘Specialised practice in planning and environment, covering renewable energy, aviation, mining and quarrying. Cover council/planning authority work to appeals/public inquiries and judicial review.’

‘Karen Blair and Brendan Martin are outstanding practitioners. Commercially astute and tactically aware. Capacity for hard work and commitment to client care.’

‘We use CFR exclusively for planning work and have done for many years. We have always found the service excellent along with extensive knowledge of the subject.’

‘Very approachable and reactive to specific requests.’

‘Personable, knowledgeable and react quickly to requests. Progress instructions in a timely manner.’

‘The team had the right mix of being super approachable and professional. They were able to explain things in layman’s terms with ease, were always available at short notice, and protected my company massively.’

‘Approachable, friendly and so professional. My direct point of contact was exceptional. He explained things very well, and I never felt like a burden or that I was asking silly questions. I would recommend any new start up to this firm.’