Carson McDowell’s commercial litigation and dispute resolution department is sought after for its strength in the manufacturing, infrastructure, agri-food, and public sectors. The team exhibits deep proficiency in a wide array of disputes, including supply and contract, intellectual property, company, and insurance defence disputes. Declan Magee oversees the team and has recently been instructed to represent clients in judicial reviews and procurement-related disputes. Peter Guzhar has a niche in contentious intellectual property mandates, regularly acting for blue-chip clients. Helen Cosgrove adds further depth to the group’s IP and commercial disputes expertise.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- The top commercial litigation outfit in Northern Ireland.
- Pete Guzhar explains things in simple terms to clients. Helen Cosgrove covers the details of even complex cases.
- Tim Cockram has a really calm demeanor which provides reassurance that you are in safe hands.
- The depth and breadth of the experience of the teams at CMcD is what makes the difference. This, together with the interpersonal skills of key individuals, creates a market-leading proposition.
- Fergal McGoldrick is at the top of his game and the go-to media lawyer in Northern Ireland. He gives plain-speaking advice when we request it and expertly weighs up the pros and cons in any situation. Hannah Porter has proven to be a huge asset to the team and is very skilled in the field. Her advice is also invaluable.
- They provide the best advice as they know the market so well. They warn about the pitfalls and advantages of any resolution and keep us up to date with any progress in a case. The cost factor is also communicated very well, and they have barristers they work with on our cases who are fully versed in our business and its goals in any dispute resolution.
Key clients
- FP McCann Limited
- Mediahuis UK Ltd
- EP NI Energy Limited
- Legal Services Board in England and Wales
Work highlights
Represented FP McCann Limited in a libel action advanced against The Home Office arising from a publication, by The Home Office, which made allegations against FP McCann and secured an apology for our client along with substantial damages.
Instructed by the leading print and broadcast media on a joint basis to successfully challenge an attempt to prevent reporting on the trial of a prominent figure facing trial for fraud.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Declan Magee
Other key lawyers
Peter Guzhar; Helen Cosgrove