Northern Ireland’s largest independent law firm Carson McDowell is continuing its years-long role as a Gold category sponsor in the 2025 Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards, which provide a unique platform for companies to profile their achievements, values such as diversity and inclusion, and incredible talent across the region.
Headquartered in Belfast and with offices in Dublin, the firm has more than 200 staff, including 130 solicitors, and is led by a team of 41 partners.
Its position as a full-service commercial law firm with more than 28 distinct practice areas has enabled Carson McDowell to have an unrivalled insight into the fantastic range of companies creating exceptional workplaces in Northern Ireland where employees thrive.
Orlagh O’Neill, partner and head of the employment team at Carson McDowell, said: “We are honoured to have been invited again to partner the Irish News for the Workplace & Employment Awards in 2025.
“These awards provide a platform to recognise and celebrate some of the best companies in the region. We are privileged to work with many of these companies and to see first-hand their commitment to championing innovation and showcasing their passion for sustainability, employee wellbeing and diversity, equality, and inclusion.”
Last November Carson McDowell, which is renowned for having more experts working across more specialist areas of expertise than any other local law firm, expanded its senior team with a number of key partner appointments, making it the largest partner group among law firms headquartered in Northern Ireland.
The firm’s managing partner Roger McMillan said: “When it comes to our firm’s ability to serve clients, there is no greater asset than our people.
“Our new partners have demonstrated exceptional skills and drive, reflecting our commitment to excellence in client service. They not only strengthen our partner team, but their individual expertise will also continue to contribute to the firm’s growth and the development of their practice areas.”
For more than ten years, Carson McDowell has maintained its top position in the legal industry guides Chambers UK and The Legal 500, surpassing the rankings of all Northern Ireland competitors. Chambers UK labelled Carson McDowell as ‘a powerhouse of a team’.
Meanwhile Carson McDowell has just been named Corporate Law Firm of the Year at the Insider Dealmaker Awards, which recognises the firm’s pivotal role in navigating all aspects of merger and acquisition (M&A) and equity investments in Northern Ireland and beyond.
The Dealmaker Awards celebrate the achievements of the region’s top dealmakers, highlighting the most significant transactions and the professionals behind them, and Carson McDowell says its win is a testament to the outstanding performance of its top-tier corporate team and dedication to delivering best-in-class legal services.
The Carson McDowell team advises international companies and local and international investors doing business across a broad range of sectors including technology, energy and renewables, agrifood, healthcare, life sciences, manufacturing, leisure and hospitality, and financial services.
Significant deals managed by the team in the last year include advising the management team of Options Technology on the significant investment by Vitruvian Partners; the sale of the Kilwaughter Group to Saint Gobain; the sale of Firmus Energy (Supply) Limited, to Yuno Energy; and acting for Fane Valley in relation to its investment in Ready Egg Products Limited.
Senior partner Neasa Quigley said: “Winning Corporate Law Firm of the Year is a tremendous honour and a testament to the exceptional calibre of our team. This accomplishment demonstrates how consistently strong we are across the board, and reflects our team’s M&A expertise
- Entries for the 2025 Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards close at midnight on Wednesday April 2. Full details at https://wea.irishnews.com/
