Praised for having ‘a fantastic team of focused and dedicated staff’, Carson McDowell is capable of handling the full lifecycle of a construction project. The team is prominent in disputes, planning, and all relevant contractual matters across the retail, public infrastructure, and energy sectors. Stuart Murphy leads the construction offering. He is known for his role in major disputes and also excels in contractual drafting and negotiations. John Dugdale handles retail and commercial developments. Gavin Kerr is a standout associate who advises clients on matters involving supply contracts.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- We work with John Dugdale and others. Both are very articulate with non-legal clients such as ourselves. They have a very high understanding of the construction process and industry, which is where we carry out our business.
- We find Carson McDowell to be unique in that they accommodate us as non-legal people very well in terms of explaining to us the implications and risks of contractual arrangements.
- We work closely with the construction dispute resolution element of the business, primarily Stuart Murphy and John Dugdale. Stuart and John have assisted our company over the last few years with many construction-related dispute issues, and we have always found them to be professional, knowledgeable, and above all responsive to our requirements in presenting the best case for our company. Stuart and John are both very personable and always make you feel at ease when discussing sometimes complex construction issues.
- Gavin Kerr and Trevor Bolton have provided clear legal guidance and presented concise and practical solutions that allowed me to move forward with confidence. What sets Gavin Kerr and Trevor Bolton apart is not only their technical expertise, but their ability to remain calm, measured, and genuinely supportive during moments of pressure. They take the time to understand the wider context, communicate options in a way that is easy to grasp, and consistently demonstrate a level of professionalism that inspires trust. More broadly, the individuals I work with stand out because they combine deep legal knowledge with a human approach. They listen, they anticipate challenges, and they offer advice that is both strategically sound and grounded in real-world understanding. Their responsiveness, integrity, and willingness to go the extra mile have been qualities I’ve valued time and again. Gavin and Trevor, in particular, have shown exceptional judgment and clarity—qualities that make them not just strong solicitors, but genuinely reliable partners in navigating difficult situations.
- Carson McDowell has a fantastic team of focused and dedicated staff. They work together to ensure that their clients receive the most professional and timely service available.
- Carson McDowell has a person and department for every situation I've come across. They are a very innovative company and appear to be ahead of the curve in most, if not all, areas.
Key clients
- Belfast Harbour Commissioners
- Reach Active UK
- Creagh Concrete Products
- GRAHAM
- Gilbert-Ash
- Moore Concrete Products
- Queen’s University, Belfast
- Ulster University
- Turkington
- McAleer and Rushe
Work highlights
Acting for a major construction products producer in relation to disputes arising out of a large residential development on the South Coast of England.
Representing a manufacturing client on the form of construction contract for the design, supply and installation of a biomass-fired 1.3 MW plant.
Representing a contractor in connection with a high-profile dispute arising out of the construction of Victoria Square.
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
Stuart Murphy
Other key lawyers
John Dugdale: Gavin Kerr