Meet the Team

Liam McDonald

Liam, our Director and head of our Litigation and Family Department. Liam is an expert in catastrophic injury claims, with a focus on Brain Injury, Amputation, Spinal Injury, and Burn Claims. Liam has successfully secured significant compensation for clients across Northern Ireland. Link to case studies

In addition to catastrophic injury claims, Liam advises clients on all aspects of personal injury law, including Road Traffic Accidents, accidents at work, and accidents in public places. 

Beyond his work in general litigation, Liam leads our Damp and Mould claims team, representing tenants who have suffered loss and personal injury due to inadequate housing conditions. Holding Social Housing Landlords to account by applying for Court injunctions compelling the Landlord to fix the property defects, to securing compensation for associated injury like eczema, asthma, cardiovascular issues and related psychological injury. 

In addition to his litigation work, Liam is an accredited member of the Children Order Panel. He is recognised as one of the few expert solicitors in Northern Ireland capable of advising on Care Orders, Child Abduction cases, Freeing for Adoption, and Child Relocation applications. 

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.  

Robert Crawford

Robert, a graduate of Queen’s University Belfast (1969-1973), began his legal career in Private Client Firms in Belfast City Centre. Robert cultivated a loyal client base before establishing RP Crawford & Co. (now RP Crawford Solicitors Limited). 

With over 40 years of experience, Robert has extensive knowledge in Divorce and litigation however he specialises in Wills and Probate, guiding clients and families through the complexities of estate planning. He offers tailored advice on how your Will can impact inheritance, ensuring your loved ones are protected in the future. For advice on Wills, Inheritance Tax, Enduring Power of Attorney, or tax-efficient Trust planning, Robert provides a free initial consultation.

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.

Lucy Kelly

Lucy studied Law at Queen’s University Belfast, where she graduated with her LLB (Hons) in Law. Following graduation, Lucy gained experience working in a City centre firm for two years before joining our team in early 2021.

Lucy is an experienced member of our personal injury litigation team, with a special focus on Road Traffic Accidents, Accidents at Work and Medical Negligence.

Lucy has obtained significant compensation for clients who have been involved in serious Road Traffic Accidents and accidents at work. She also represents clients who have had the misfortune of being involved in birthing injuries and missed medical diagnoses.  She is ready to advocate for your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve. Contact Lucy today to schedule a consultation.

Susan Bannon

Susan, our conveyancing paralegal has over 20 years of experience in law. Susan is dedicated to providing exceptional support and guidance to clients throughout the conveyancing process, whether they’re buying, selling, or remortgaging their home.

Susan understands that property transactions are among the most significant decisions individuals make in their lives. With her wealth of experience and meticulous attention to detail, she ensures that each transaction proceeds smoothly and efficiently.

Gemma McCashin

Gemma has been with us since early 2018 and is a highly specialised personal injury Paralegal. Assisting on catastrophic injury claims, road traffic accidents, and accidents at work, Gemma brings a wealth of experience and competence to her practice.

Gemma’s passion for personal injury law has made her an integral part of our team. She has worked in significant personal injury settlements making a huge difference in the lives of those who have been injured due to the negligence of others. Her compassionate approach and unwavering dedication to her clients set her apart in the field.

Whether you’ve suffered a life-altering injury, been involved in a road traffic accident, or experienced harm in the workplace, you can rely on our team.

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.

Amber Looney

Amber is a paralegal specialising in personal injury law with a focus on Credit Hire Law and Road Traffic Accidents. Amber graduated with a First Class Honours in Law from Queen’s University Belfast.

With her strong academic background and client centred approach, Amber is dedicated to assisting clients who have been affected by road traffic accidents to obtain the compensation they deserve.

Amber understands the challenges that individuals face after being involved in accidents, and she is here to provide compassionate support and expert guidance every step of the way. Whether that involves arranging a replacement car, arranging repairs or seeking compensation for personal injuries, Amber will work tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Jessica McMillan

Jessica studied Law at the University of Ulster and is a dedicated paralegal with significant experience in Damp and Mould claims. With a focus on representing tenants living in poor social housing properties affected by damp, cold, and mould. Jessica has a passion for holding negligent Landlords to account to ensure that all individuals have safe and habitable living conditions.

With a keen understanding of the challenges faced by tenants in such situations, Jessica takes on claims against Social Housing providers, most notably the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. Her expertise extends to seeking injunctive relief to address defective homes, as well as pursuing compensation for property damage and personal injury caused by these inadequate living conditions.

Jessica’s compassionate approach and unwavering dedication to her clients set her apart in her field. She understands the profound impact that substandard housing can have on individuals and families, and she is committed to ensuring that her clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

If you or someone you know is living in poor social housing conditions affected by damp, cold, or mould, don’t hesitate to reach out to Jessica McMillan. With her knowledge, experience, and passion for advocacy, she is ready to fight for your rights and help you secure a safe and healthy living environment. 

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. 

Cathy Hillen

Introducing Cathy, a dedicated paralegal specialising in personal injury law, with a focus on Credit Hire Law and Road Traffic Accidents. Cathy is a graduate of Ulster University Belfast, holding a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice.

With a passion for helping clients navigate the complexities of personal injury claims, Cathy goes above and beyond to ensure our clients receive the support and compensation they deserve. Cathy assists clients in arranging immediate vehicle replacement, getting them back on the road swiftly after an accident. She also handles the process of obtaining compensation for vehicle damage, ensuring that each vehicle is expertly assessed, and (if applicable) authorising repairs promptly.

Furthermore, Cathy understands the importance of maximising compensation in personal injury claims. She works diligently to arrange medical consultations with experts, ensuring that her clients receive the necessary care and attention to secure the maximum compensation available for their injuries.

Cathy’s compassionate approach, coupled with her expertise in personal injury law, makes her an invaluable asset to our team. If you’ve been involved in a road traffic accident and need assistance with vehicle replacement, compensation for damages, or navigating the personal injury claims process, don’t hesitate to contact us. 

Michelle Hamilton

Meet Michelle, our paralegal who specialises in personal injury law with a focus on representing clients in Road Traffic Accidents and Damp and Mould claims. Michelle studied Law at Birmingham City University (2015-2018), where she graduated with a 2:1 in Law. She furthered her legal education by completing the Bar Professional Training Course, qualifying as a Barrister in England in 2019.

Michelle moved back to Northern Ireland gaining valuable experience working for the Courts Service before transitioning to a City Centre Personal Injury firm in November 2021, where she honed her skills and deepened her expertise in personal injury law. In March 2024, Michelle joined our team, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and a commitment to advocating for the rights of her clients.

Michelle’s practice encompasses a diverse range of cases, including Road Traffic Accidents and Damp and Mould Claims against Social Housing providers, notably the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. She assists clients in seeking injunctive relief to address defective homes, as well as claims for compensation for property damage and personal injury caused by inadequate living conditions.