Professional Negligence: Northern Ireland

Carson McDowell maintains its reputation as a market leader on the defence side of professional negligence claims. The team is regularly instructed to act on behalf of major insurers including Hiscox, Marsh and companies acting through the Law Society of Northern Ireland Master Policy. Members of the team display an impressive breadth of experience, handling claims against solicitors, and financial, construction and medical professionals. Sources attest to the firm's pre-eminent position and the strength of the team.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Joint practice head Declan Magee is singled out for his skills as a litigator. Interviewees speak highly of the calibre of his work and note the depth of his experience.

Fellow team leader Roger McMillan remains a respected figure with vast reserves of experience. He focuses his practice on claims relating to medical negligence.

C & H Jefferson is widely recognised for the depth of its professional negligence practice. Focusing predominantly on claims against members of the legal profession, the team commands the respect of peers and clients. Sources attest to the firm's success in consolidating its presence in the market.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Gareth Jones remains a key player in the professional negligence field. Sources remark that he is "well respected in the legal community" on account of the impressive clientele he attracts.

This team defends claims on behalf of leading insurers and has been working hard to deal with an increasing number of cases brought against solicitors stemming from negligent mortgage advice. Lawyers are regularly instructed on substantial claims by clients such as Hiscox and AXA.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Paul Tweed remains a respected figure who is recognised for the strength of his practice. He combines his experience in the defamation field with expertise in professional negligence claims.

This team defends a range of professionals but is particularly well known for its work in the construction sphere. Solicitors have recently been instructed in several high-profile matters, including a mediation of one of the largest claims in Northern Ireland. Its in-depth experience attracts high-profile clients such as Zurich and Chartis.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Amanda Wylie wins plaudits as "nobody's fool - she will stand toe to toe with anybody." Like Craig, her practice is focused on claims relating to the construction professions.

Since publication, Seán Craig has joined Arthur Cox.

This team is an established presence in Northern Ireland with a strong practice in defending negligence claims. Members of the team are regularly instructed on claims involving a range of professionals, often acting on behalf of insurers and London underwriters.

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Experienced and knowledgeable" Hugh McGrattan is recognised for the expertise he brings to the variety of matters that he is instructed on.

Joseph McGuigan remains a popular solicitor who is praised for his excellent legal talents. He is retained to act on a broad range of claims.

McKinty and Wright is recognised for the breadth of claims it is able to cover, with sources attesting to the high regard in which the practice is held within the local market. Solicitors offer a broad spectrum of experience in acting on behalf of key insurers.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Lester Doake is a key contact.

This team is an acknowledged presence in the field, acting for both claimants and defendant professionals. Sources remark upon the high level of expertise displayed by practitioners within the team.

KEY INDIVIDUALS James Turner specialises in claims involving construction professionals. He is held in high regard by fellow practitioners.