Criminal Defence

Director

Andrew Millar

Meet Andrew, our Director and head of the Criminal and Conveyancing Department. With a wealth of experience, Andrew is a leading criminal law defence solicitor, representing clients in some of the largest and most notable drugs cases in Northern Ireland. Notably, Andrew has defended multiple clients in a £20,000,000 drugs importation conspiracy case.

Andrew’s extensive experience extends to all aspects of criminal law, including murder, manslaughter, sexual offenses, terrorism, death by dangerous driving and serious assaults. He is also highly specialised in “White Collar Crime,” covering areas such as corporate manslaughter, Health and Safety Offenses, Tax Evasion, and money laundering. As an acknowledged PACE expert solicitor, Andrew was admitted to the Belfast Solicitor PACE rota, ensuring clients receive robust advice right from the start in the Police Station.

In addition to his expertise in criminal law, Andrew is well-versed in various other legal areas, primarily property law. He represents individuals in remortgaging, purchases, and sales, as well as companies in sales and acquisitions, commercial Leases and Remortgages. He acts for local developers in relation to Commercial Property Developments.  

Solicitor

Ciaran Steele

Ciaran studied Law at Queen’s University Belfast (1975-1979) before being admitted to the roll of solicitors in Northern Ireland in 1981. 

For the past 40+ years Ciaran has represented clients throughout Northern Ireland facing a wide range of charges, including terrorism, murder, fraud, serious assault and sexual offences and drug-related offences.

Ciaran is widely regarded as a leading specialist in all matters of criminal defence law.

Paralegal

Aine O’Kane

Introducing Aine, our paralegal with a diverse skill set that spans personal injury claims to assisting partners in preparing criminal cases for trial. Aine has vast experience in personal injury law, particularly Road Traffic Accidents. She assists clients with the personal injury side of their claims, gathering medical notes and records, ensuring the appropriate experts are instructed and ensuring the best medical evidence is gathered to maximise compensation for the clients. 

In addition to her work in personal injury law, Aine also plays a crucial role in assisting our Criminal team with preparing cases for trial. Her attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and dedication to thorough preparation contribute to the success of our criminal defence team.

Paralegal

Jayne McDougall

Jayne, a versatile paralegal with a diverse skill set that encompasses various areas. Jayne’s dedication to her work and her commitment to providing exceptional service make her an invaluable asset to our team.

Jayne plays a crucial role in assisting Andrew with preparing Trial Bundles and ensuring that all necessary documentation is organised and presented effectively for Criminal Court proceedings. Similarly, Jayne assists Liam with preparing Children Order cases by liaising with the various Trust Solicitors and communicating accordingly. Her meticulous attention to detail and strong organisational skills contribute to the smooth and efficient handling of complex cases.

In addition to her work with Trial Bundles, Jayne also takes on the important task of liaising with clients. Her ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with clients and other parties sets her apart. She understands that facing serious criminal charges can be a daunting experience, and she goes above and beyond to ensure that her clients feel supported and at ease throughout the process.

If you’re in need of expert legal support for a serious criminal offence, or Children Order case contact us on the links below.