Belfast, Northern Ireland
Mills Selig > Belfast, Northern Ireland > Firm Profile
Mills Selig Offices

21 ARTHUR STREET
BELFAST
BT1 4GA
Northern Ireland
Mills Selig > The Legal 500 Rankings
Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 1
In addition to domestic Northern Irish work, Mills Selig is active across England and the Republic of Ireland on the administration of complex and high-value estates. The team has experience in trusts, wills, and charity law, and acts on contentious and non-contentious matters. Fiona McFall leads the department and impresses with her experience in all matters of wealth management, particularly estate and succession planning. Associate Paula Gibson covers mental capacity, controllership, and enduring powers of attorney.Practice head(s):
Fiona McFall
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Fiona and Paula provide a first class personal service to each of their clients. Clients appreciate their valuable advice delivered in a timely manner.’
Work highlights
Corporate and commercial > Corporate and M&A Tier 2
Mills Selig has seen increases in both deal volume and values over recent years, and now act for a number of global clients on transactions with Northern Irish elements. Clients remark on the firm’s ‘willingness to find solutions to allow transactions to reach successful conclusions‘, which has contributed to high profile deals across the technology, energy, and real estate industries. Managing partner Chris Guy leads the department, and has substantial experience in MBOs, investments, corporate restructuring and shareholder arrangements. He is supported by Glenn Watterson, who also works on the firm’s energy team, and Darren Marley, who was promoted to partner in 2021. Solicitor Emma McCloskey is a name to note.Practice head(s):
Chris Guy
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Great team – willingness to find solutions to allow transactions to reach successful conclusions.’
‘Chris Guy – hugely experienced and measured in his approach. Nothing seems to rattle him. Darren Marley – pragmatic and tenacious to deliver transactions in tight timeframes.’
‘The team’s strength is its ability to communicate effective and regularly. They always make you feel that you are the most important client and keep you up to date with information and make time to explain or guide as necessary.’
‘Glenn Watterson has been with us since our inception. He has guided, supported encouraged. We totally trust his advice and he is always calm and precise in his communication.’
Key clients
Version 1 Software UK Limited
Natural World Products
FD Technologies plc
Endzone Investments Limited
Valsoft
Galgorm Collection
Power-On Technologies Limited
NiSoft
Cyphra Limited
Blue Clarity Design Services Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for Version 1 Software UK Limited on the purchase of the entire issued share capital of Neueda Limited.
- Acted for the shareholders of B9 Developments Limited, the holding company of Natural World Products Limited, on the sale of the entire issued share capital of B9 Developments Limited to Harvest Bidco Limited.
- Advised global software provider First Derivatives in relation to its sale of its stake in RX Data Science, Inc. to Syneoas Health.
Northern Ireland > Dispute resolution Tier 2
Mills Selig acts on a broad array of disputes, including niche areas such as gross negligence manslaughter, and acted in a precedent-setting dispute involving car parking. Emma Hunt leads the team and specialises in complex property disputes, regularly advising banks, landlords, and retailers. Kirsten Magee offers experience in patent infringement and trade mark disputes. Maeve Fisher is noted for her licensing expertise in addition to her experience in all areas of insolvency and property litigation. Associates Katie Major and Rebecca Logan are names to watch.Practice head(s):
Emma Hunt
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Emma Hunt and Kirsten Magee are outstanding partners in this field.’
‘Rebecca Logan – courteous, bright, persistent and tuned in to the needs of commercial client. One to watch.’
‘Practical, commercially-minded, resolution-focused.’
‘Emma Hunt – very hardworking, diligent, experienced and professional.’
‘Kirsten Magee and Katie Major – very personable and a pleasure to work with on NI-based matters.’
‘Boutique commercial firm with excellent litigation and licensing teams. Always friendly and practical.’
‘Emma Hunt – excellent litigator with superb communication skills. Maeve Fisher – stellar reputation on licensing matters.’
Key clients
Warrenpoint Harbour Authority
Boojum Limited
Smart Parking Limited
Ammann Czech Republic AS
Mannok Industrial Holdings
Channel 4
Twitter International Company
Hagan Homes Limited
Sky News
Bamford Bus Company Limited
Work highlights
- Represented Ammann Czech Republic AS in a coronial inquest and related civil proceedings.
- Represented a private client in long-running complex proceedings against Ulster Bank.
- Acted for a manufacturing company defending patent infringement proceedings raised in the High Court and in related challenge to the EPO.
Real estate > Commercial property Tier 2
Mills Selig acts across the RoI and the UK in a wide range of sectors, including telecommunications, leisure, and hospitality, with particularly high-value work in the energy sector. Anne Skeggs, who is praised for her ‘clear experience and commercial approach‘ leads the department, and has a particular specialism in property finance. Anna-Marie McAlinden, who has over 16 years’ experience in the field, handles significant acquisitions, lettings and disposals for high-profile clients in addition to heading the firm's climate & energy department.Practice head(s):
Anne Skeggs
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘A great team led by Anne Skeggs.’
‘Anne is very commercial, personable, and really knows her stuff.’
‘Mills Selig is an extremely versatile and personable company. Each person you will come across within the firm is knowledgeable, personable and adaptable and willing to go above and beyond to ensure client satisfaction.’
‘Each individual we work with within Mills Selig is highly driven and caring.’
‘They were very quick to respond, available, commercial in their advice and were key to the smooth running of the deal. We were particularly pleased with their collaborative approach to working with us for the client.’
‘We would specifically mention Anne Skeggs. Anne’s clear experience and commercial approach was invaluable.’
Key clients
Ducales Capital
Alpha Real Renewables/Elm Solar Limited
Bamford Bus Company
Euro Garages
Hagan Homes
Glenmayne Group
Galliard Homes Limited
Marcol Group Limited
IMC Cinema Group
ITV Group plc
Clanmil Housing Association
Total Produce Limited
Quinn Industrial Holdings (now Mannok Holdings)
Waterways Ireland
A P Wireless Ireland Investments Limited
Quicklet Properties Limited
Earlsfort Capital Partners
Lloyds Development Capital (Holdings) Limited
Rexel Group
Reed Group
Ortus Secured Finance
Mamas and Papas
Rentokil
Herbert Group/Kirk Bryson Limited
Murdock Property Group/Lotus Group
BSI Wind Limited
TST Holding (NI) Limited
Sky UK Limited
NMQ-One Limited
Travers Smith
Devenish Nutrition
McKibbin Sulliven
Van Rath
Chrifin Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for London investment group Alpha Real Capital (Alpha) on the acquisition of Innova Energy, a multi-million multi-asset operating portfolio.
- Acted for Natural World Products on receipt of an investment of £20m from MML Growth Capital Partners Ireland and asset manager 57 Stars.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property Tier 2
Mills Selig is active on IP issues relating to a broad range of sectors, with a special focus on patent litigation. Their aptitude for contentious work has been bolstered this year with the promotion of commercial litigator Kirsten Magee to practice co-head alongside Emma Hunt and Glenn Watterson. Hunt brings experience in copyright, patent and trade mark disputes, while Watterson is mostly active in an advisory role for corporate IP matters.Practice head(s):
Emma Hunt; Kirsten Magee; Glenn Watterson
Testimonials
‘Mills Selig were recommended to us and in our initial discussions demonstrated an extensive knowledge of the particular technology problem we had encountered.’
‘The representative listened to our problem and devised a number of potential solutions. Outlined the potential costs for us and came in within the agreed budget in a timely manner.’
Key clients
Valsoft Corporation, Inc
FD Technologies PLC
Work highlights
- Instructed by the intended defendant in proceedings threatened by their competitor in which it is alleged that a particular machine manufactured by our client uses technology which is protected by their patent.
- Acting on behalf of the plaintiff company that claims infringement of its patent by an NI-based manufacturer of circuit boards, with similar proceedings ongoing in the USA.
- Instructed to act on behalf of Valsoft Corporation Inc. (Valsoft), a Canadian-based company specialising in the acquisition and development of vertical market software businesses, on the acquisition of Fluent Technology.
Northern Ireland > Employment Tier 3
Mills Selig fields an employment team which specialises in advising commercial clients, especially large Northern Irish companies, on a wide range of matters, including TUPE obligations, tribunal claims, and day-to-day HR problems. Kiera Lee, who leads the department, has over 20 years of experience in the practice area, and is experienced in complex restructurings and strategic decisions. She works closely with solicitor Andrew Edwards, who has defended claims in the Industrial and Fair Employment Tribunals, and very well versed in contract law.Practice head(s):
Kiera Lee
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
First Derivatives Plc
DCC Plc
Virgin Media Plc
Arjo UK Limited
Golf Holdings Limited
Homecare Independent Living
Bamford Bus Company t/a Wrightbus
Dunnes Stores Limited
Van Werven Holdings Limited
Galgorm Hotel Group
Hospital services Limited
MSC Group
Town Parks Car Sales
W Hall Limited
Savage and Whitten Wholesale
Ulster Shredders Engineering
Vita Materials Limited
Maw Engineering Limited
Geda Construction Company Limited
Habinteg Housing Association
Triangle Housing Association
Mannok Build Limited
McKinstry Skip Hire Limited
Asia Supermarket
Newry Food Centre Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Hospital Services on the employment aspects of its acquisition of ROI company MDI Medical.
- Advised Questel on all employment aspects (both Northern Ireland and England and Wales matters) of the company’s multi-million pound cross-border acquisition of Morningside.
- Advised Agio UK on the employment aspects of setting up an office in Belfast.
Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 3
Mills Selig acts on both corporate and personal insolvencies and is regarded as ‘practical and pragmatic‘. Richard Craig has led the team since 2020 and has experience appearing before the High Court in insolvency proceedings. Senior partner John KearnsPractice head(s):
Richard Craig
Other key lawyers:
John Kearns
Testimonials
‘The team led by Richard Craig provides legal advice alongside practical and pragmatic solutions to complex matters. My team can access simple advice at the touch of a button or through a call.’
‘Insolvency and corporate recovery can stir up emotive reactions, and Richard Craig’s non-confrontational manner enables solutions to be reached which are fair and balanced.’
Key clients
PKF-FPM Accountants
Gildernew & Co Accountants
Keenan CF
Rachel Fowler Advisory
Hannaway CA
Cavanagh Kelly
Grant Thornton
Arthur Boyd & Co
McKeague Morgan
HNH Group
Begbies Traynor
Work highlights
Projects, energy and natural resources > Energy, project finance and PFI Tier 3
Mills Selig acts on investments, acquisitions and disposals and is primarily active within the wind energy market. Anna-Marie McAlinden co-leads the team with Glenn Watterson. McAlinden has experience in all areas of renewable energy and has acted for both local and national clients. Watterson is the key contact for corporate matters in addition to advising on contractual and commercial issues. Associate Emma McCloskey plays a key support role.Practice head(s):
Anna-Marie McAlinden; Glenn Watterson
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Mills Selig has a combination of technical excellence and client focus that we have found to be excellent. It means that we get great advice and we receive it in a manner that is aligned with our business needs.’
‘Glenn Watterson has been exceptionally good at working right alongside us through several tricky phases. He has always been clear, direct and empathetic when advising us.’
Key clients
Natural World Products Limited
Power On Technologies Limited
Girona Energy Limited
BSI Wind Ltd
Natural World Products Limited
3T Power Limited
Alpha Real Renewables
Work highlights
- Acted for Alpha Real Capital on its largest solar transaction to date with the acquisition of Innova Energy, of a multi-million multi-asset operating portfolio.
- Advise Power On Technologies on regulatory issues regarding its requirements for a generation licence pursuant to the Electricity (Northern Ireland) Order.
Real estate > Construction Tier 3
Mills Selig fields a team active in a wide range of industry sectors, with a record in contentious and non-contentious matters which makes them a consistent favourite for housing associations. Practice head Adrian Kerr is experienced litigating, adjudicating and mediating across both planning and construction. Associate Conor Mulligan is also noted.Practice head(s):
Adrian Kerr
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Collaborative, commercially-minded and work things through with clients in context of risk solutions. Focused, pragmatic, thorough knowledge of construction and sector.’
‘Adrian Kerr – we trust his knowledge and advice. Pragmatic and solutions-focused thorough knowledge of construction and housing association sector.’
Key clients
Clanmil Housing Association
Radius Housing Association
Construction Employer’s Federation
Choice Housing Association
Felix O’Hare & Company
Glasgiven Contracts Limited
Gilmore Engineering Services Limited
Habinteg Housing Association (Ulster) Limited
Lotus Homes
GEDA Construction
Work highlights
- Acted for Clanmil Housing on all construction matters.
- Act for Choice Housing Association in relation to its extensive ongoing construction project portfolio.
Mills Selig > Firm Profile
The firm: Mills Selig is one of Northern Ireland’s most innovative and progressive corporate and commercial law firms. It acts for leading plcs, private equity funds, entrepreneurs, private companies and businesses, property developers, leading retailers and national and international media organisations.
Its expert lawyers also advise on English law and are regularly involved in high-level property, corporate and commercial transactions in Ireland, Great Britain, mainland Europe and worldwide.
Notable clients include First Derivatives plc, Bank of Ireland, Devenish Nutrition, ITV, DCC Energy, Murdock Group, Hughes Insurance, Wine Inns, SDC Trailers, and White Rock Capital Partners. The firm has experienced considerable growth over the past few years in restructuring, liquor licensing, banking, construction, energy and environment.
Principal areas of work
Banking and finance: Mills Selig advise borrowers and lenders on property and corporate finance transactions across many different sectors and can assist individuals and businesses as well as banks on all aspects of financing transactions. The firm’s experienced team have expertise in advising on recovery of secured debt and fixed charge receiverships.
Commercial: Well-drafted commercial agreements are fundamental to successful business. Robust terms and conditions and distribution agreements are imperative in today’s competitive environment. Mills Selig’s commercial contracts team are experts at striking the balance in their advice so that client contracts are both workable from a day-to-day business perspective but also offer all appropriate safeguards to limit the risk of contract disputes.
Commercial property: Mills Selig’s dedicated commercial property team have the technical edge to offer sound and decisive commercial property advice in Northern Ireland, England and Wales. The team works closely with clients and their agents to deliver effective, business-minded solutions in all areas of commercial property law.
Construction: Mills Selig is a market-leading construction specialist employing a dedicated team focusing entirely on construction-related issues — the team has a proven track record of dealing with high-value and technically complex cases. The firm sets itself apart by providing solution-focused advice in relation to live construction projects and provides the full construction legal package.
Corporate: Mills Selig’s corporate team is made up of market-leading specialist corporate lawyers and solicitors who combine superior technical expertise with substantial transactional experience of high-value, complex transactions both nationally and internationally. The team’s approach is based on clear, direct, problem-solving advice driven by business needs and objectives to get the deal done.
Dispute resolution and litigation: Mills Selig has a highly successful, market-leading team adept at handling all types of litigation — with notable experience in managing high-value and complex cases. The litigation team is particularly skilled at adopting a trusted advisor approach and providing not only commercial but strategic advice.
Employment: Mills Selig’s highly regarded employment team is recognised for its experience in all types of employment matters. In this specialised and complex area of law, the firm’s dedicated team focus on delivering expert advice with a strong commercial focus.
Energy and environmental: Mills Selig’s energy and environmental team draws on key sector knowledge from across the firm’s practice areas, including corporate, commercial and property. The team has advised a wide range of clients involved in the generation of energy from renewable and non-renewable sources, as well as businesses operating in the supply chain.
IP and technology: Mills Selig offers legal expertise across all aspects of IP. The firm advises businesses on strategies that enable their intellectual property assets to be fully protected and commercially exploited – this includes copyright, trademarks and design rights through to joint venture collaborations, franchising and licensing.
Licensing: The licensing team at Mills Selig are recognised market leaders, combining detailed knowledge and practical experience of a wide range of licensing applications. Chambers and Partners ranks the Mills Selig licensing team Band 1. The team’s services include; applications for new licences for public houses, hotels, off licences and restaurants, all types of renewal application, transfers, sale and purchase transactions, protection orders, amendments/additions to licence terms, objections to applications and social club applications.
Media and defamation: Mills Selig’s media and defamation team are recognised experts, representing national newspapers, broadcasters, book and online publishers as well as high-profile individuals. The team enjoy longstanding recognition in Chambers UK legal directory as a leader in defamation and reputation management and have been involved in many of the major libel and media cases in this jurisdiction— including Northern Ireland’s first-ever State Immunity case.
Private client: Mills Selig’s specialist private client team assists individuals and families for whom wealth preservation is a fundamental objective. The team is trusted locally and throughout the UK and Ireland to handle all private client matters sensitively, professionally and with unparalleled expertise. The team has extensive experience in a range of private client matters including wills, trusts, business succession, estate planning and creating bespoke structures to protect personal and family wealth.
Residential property: Mills Selig’s restructuring and insolvency team advises debtor companies, secured and unsecured creditors, financial institutions, banks, insolvency practitioners and failing businesses needing support on all aspects of recovery, turnaround and insolvency. The team is highly regarded for its expert, timely guidance, which has on several occasions helped businesses avoid formal insolvency arrangements.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Senior Partner - Restructuring and Insolvency | John Kearns | ||
Partner - Head of Property | Anne Skeggs | ||
Partner - Head of Construction | Adrian Kerr | ||
Managing Partner - Head of Corporate | Chris Guy | ||
Partner - Head of Litigation | Emma Hunt | ||
Partner - Head of Employment | Kiera Lee | ||
Partner - Property / Head of Climate & Energy | Anna-Marie McAlinden | ||
Partner - Head of Private Client | Fiona McFall | ||
Partner - Restructuring and insolvency | Richard Craig | ||
Partner - Corporate | Glenn Watterson | ||
Partner - Corporate | Darren Marley | ||
Partner - Litigation | Kirsten Magee | ||
Partner - Litigation / Head of Licensing | Maeve Fisher |
Meet The Team(s)
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Richard Craig | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Maeve Fisher | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Chris Guy | Managing Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Emma Hunt | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | John Kearns | Senior Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Adrian Kerr | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Kiera Lee | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Kirsten Magee | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Darren Marley | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Anna-Marie McAlinden | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Fiona McFall | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Anne Skeggs | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Glenn Watterson | Partner | View Profile |