Our Team

Director

Darragh Mackin

Darragh Mackin has been described as ‘a rising star on the international legal scene’ (Irish Times), a ‘Champion of the Cause’ (The Parchment) and ‘a man for all seasons, needed for all sorts of reasons’ (Belfast Telegraph).  In July 2016, Darragh was the first ever Ireland based Lawyer to be nominated, and in turn to win, an award at the prestigious London Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards. In 2025, he was one of the Partners that led the team to winning the LEAP ‘Special Recognition Award’ in Dublin and the LALY ‘Law Firm of the Year’ Award in London.

He has developed a specialist practice in Human Rights, Public Law, Litigation and International law.  He has appeared in some of the most high profile cases in Ireland and Internationally. This includes acting for the Hooded Men in their victory in the London Supreme Court, for Sarah Ewart in her challenge to the law on Abortion in Northern Ireland, the families in the Stardust fire Inquest in which a verdict of Unlawful Killing was returned and acting for the Irish rap group Kneecap in their successful challenge to Kemi Badenoch and her decision to withhold funding for the group. He currently acts for the Summerland families in their campaign for a fresh investigation into the fire on the Isle of Man.

He regularly advises individuals and companies both domestically and internationally, with a particular specialism in privacy and data protection. Darragh regularly advises on reputation management and the challenges emanating from the misuse of social media, GDPR, and an individual’s right to be forgotten online. 

He has acted in cases at all levels including in the Supreme Courts in London and Dublin, The European Court of Human Rights, the African Commission on Human Rights and the United Nations Special Procedures.  

He has acted for both individuals, companies and some of the most well known non-governmental organisations including Amnesty International, the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers, and Extinction Rebellion. He has been instructed and advised on cases all around the World, including the USA, Spain, France, Italy, Sri Lanka, Malawi, the Cayman Islands and St Helena. He also appears on behalf of a number of Basque prisoners currently pending consideration by the European Court of Human Rights.  

Darragh has also successful secured some of the largest settlements in the jurisdiction including the payment of £16.7million to NI Taxi Drivers arising of the NI Covid Pandemic and €24million to the families of the Stardust fire. He is currently retained in a high value claim on behalf of a Chinese based company initiating action in Belfast, and in a multi million euro claim arising out of insurance contracts to hoteliers during the covid pandemic.

In addition to practice, Darragh is an associate lecturer of Public and Administrative Law at the University of Ulster and has delivered a number of guest lectures at Cambridge University, Trinity University, Queens University Belfast, and Dublin City University.   

NOTABLE CASES

HUMAN RIGHTS & PUBLIC LAW

Sarah Ewart & Amnesty International (The Abortion Litigation)

Darragh has appeared in many of the seminal human rights cases in recent times in Ireland. He acted for Sarah Ewart and Amnesty International to which saw the law changed in respect of abortion in Northern Ireland. Darragh was also labelled The Times ‘Lawyer of the Week’ for his work on this case.

The Hooded Men (Ireland v UK)

Darragh was instructed by a number of the Hooded Men in the application for revision of the Ireland v United Kingdom 1978 decision by the European Court of Human Rights on torture.  In addition, Darragh acted in the landmark judicial review challenge Re Francis McGuigan to which the Supreme Court determined that the decision not to investigate was unlawful. Following this decision, the Chief Constable formally apologised to the Hooded Men.

The relevant media footage can be accessed here:  CNN, RTE, BBC, and the Journal. 

Aidan McAnespie

Darragh is instructed by the family of Aidan McAnespie who was murdered as a result of a shot fired from a British army sanger in 1988.  On June 2018, on foot of an application lodged on behalf of the family, a decision was taken to prosecute David Holden for the killing.  In February 2023, this resulted in the first prosecution of a British Soldier post the Good Friday Agreement.  

The relevant media footage can be accessed here and here.

The Judgment can be accessed here:

The Glenanne Series (Re Edward Barnard & Others)

The Glenanne Gang were responsible for more than 120 murders between the years 1972 – 1978 in the area commonly referred to as ‘the murder triangle’.  Darragh initiated Judicial Review Proceedings against the Chief Constable of the PSNI for the failure to conduct an overarching investigation into the allegations of state collusion arising out of the Glenanne Gang murders.  In the seminal case of Re Edward Barnard, the Court of Appeal ruled that it was unlawful not to investigate the evidence of state collusion.  As a result, the independent police team Operation Kenova headed by Jon Boutcher has now been appointed to investigate the state collusion in the 120 murders.   

The relevant media footage can be accessed here.

Loughgall (Re Brigid Hughes)

Instructed by the Loughgall Truth & Justice Campaign and the families bereaved as a result of the shootings at Loughgall on 8^th May 1987.  Darragh was instructed before the High Court and Court of Appeal in respect of a decision taken by the Secretary of State that the decision to grant an Inquest into Loughgall was ‘National Security Sensitive’.  In September 2015, the Advocate General announced that a fresh inquest was to be held into the fatal shootings at Loughgall.  As a result of a political stalemate, the necessary funding for the legacy inquest system was withheld.  In an unprecedented decision the Court ruled that the then former first Minister Arlene Foster MLA had acted unlawfully in failing to release the funding and quashed the decision.  After initiating contempt of Court proceedings, the necessary funding was released to the Coronial Service for Legacy Inquests.  

The relevant media footage can be accessed here:

Fergal McFerran – The Brexit Case (‘The Peoples Challenge’ – Gina Miller No.1)

In 2016, Gina Miller initiated legal action challenging whether the Royal Prerogative can override or undo Acts of Parliament.  The challenge arose out of the controversial use of the prerogative to execute Brexit, and to leave the EU.  A group of individuals including two British citizens living in France, a Gibraltarian national, a Welsh citizen and Fergal McFerran, president of NUS-USI formed the ‘peoples challenge’.  Darragh was instructed by Fergal McFerran.  The Supreme Court held by a majority, that the UK Government could not initiate withdrawal from the European Union without an act of parliament.  This lase has been dubbed by legal commentators as one of the most significant constitutional cases of the decade.      

The relevant media footage can be viewed here and here. 

The Covid 19 Schools Challenge (Re JR105)

Darragh was instructed by the parent of a child who was forced to attend school during the initial phases of the Coronavirus (or Covid 19) pandemic.  It was argued that the child suffered underlying health conditions and therefore any attendance at school would have put her life at risk.  The respondents confirmed that the child no longer had to attend school, and a decision was subsequently issued by the Minister of Education to close all schools in light of covid-19. 

The case was widely reported in the media.  The footage can be viewed here, here and here.

Legacy Pensions (Re Brian Turley [2020])

Darragh acted for the applicant in the landmark challenge to the Executive Office and Secretary of State over their failure to implement and fund the Legacy Victims Pension.  The Court of Appeal ruled that the Executive Office was under a legal duty to fund the Legacy pensions scheme.  

The relevant media footage can be accessed here and here.  

INTERNATIONAL

Ibrahim Halawa

Darragh acted for the Irish Teenager, Ibrahim Halawa, who was detained whilst on holiday in Cairo, Egypt.  Ibrahim was held in detention in excess of 3 years awaiting trial and faced the death penalty had he been convicted.  Darragh acted for Ibrahim in seeking his return to Ireland, making submissions before the EU Parliament, the African Commission on Human Rights and the United Nations.  In October 2017 Ibrahim Halawa was acquitted of all charges before the Egyptian Courts and repatriated to Ireland. 

Media coverage of the UN Intervention is available here.

The relevant media footage can be accessed here and  here

Lisa Smith

Lisa Smith was a former Irish army soldier who travelled to Syria, and was eventually detained by the Turkish authorities as a suspected ISIS fighter.  Darragh acted for Lisa in successfully securing her and her daughter’s repatriation to Ireland.  The UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights & Counter Terrorism intervened in Lisa’s case.  Lisa was the first alleged ISIS bride ever to be returned to Ireland. 

The relevant media footage can be accessed here and here

Lisa Smith was Darragh was instructed by Lisa and her family in seeking her repatriation to Ireland.  On foot of published concerns by the United Nations, In December 2019 Lisa and her two-year-old daughter were repatriated to Ireland.  

Carles Puigdemont

 In 2018 Darragh was one of the lawyers who travelled to Brussels to meet the then president of Catalonia, Carles Puigdemont and provided advice and assistance in respect of his ongoing bid against the extradition proceedings issued by the state of Spain. 

The Tamil Litigation v PSNI

Darragh acted in a ground-breaking case in which a Tamil widow against the PSNI as the successor to the RUC for damages as a result of the murder of 10 of her relatives who were massacred by Sri Lankan’s Police in 1986.  The basis of the case arose out of documents uncovered which demonstrated that the RUC had played a role in the training of ‘the Special Task Force’ in Sri Lanka. 

The relevant media footage can be viewed here and here.  The Tamil Guardian also covered the story here.

In addition, Darragh acts for Mr Jeyasundaram, a teacher, who was convicted in Sri Lanka for involvement with the Tamil Tigers.  He challenges the safety of the conviction on the premise that the confession was obtained by torture, and that the trial process lacked the relevant safeguards required under international law.  The relevant media footage can be accessed here.  

Keyu & Others v Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs & Another UKSC 2014/0203

This case is more commonly known as the Batang Kali Massacre case.  Darragh acted for the interveners the Pat Finucane Centre & Rights Watch UK, two Non-Governmental Organisations whom are directly involved in ensuring human rights compliance in respect of the legacy of the past. Both interveners sought to make representations to the Court in respect of the applicability of Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights (the right to life) and its application in the context of ‘the troubles’.  The Attorney General for Northern Ireland also intervened in this case. 

Media coverage of this case is available here. 

REPUTATION MANAGEMENT AND DEFAMATION

Phil Miller v PSNI (2020)

Darragh acts for the renowned investigative journalist Phil Miller in an appeal against the Information Commissioner to uphold the refusal by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (“PSNI”) to publish a report authored by Jack Morton from 1973, relating to MI5 and the structure of the RUC.

Re Fine Point Films(2019)

Darragh acted for the International media organisations, Index on Censorship and the English PEN in their role in the successful judicial review challenge to a search warrant imposed on two investigative journalists in Northern Ireland.

OH v Google LLP (2019)

Darragh acted for the Plaintiff in one of the first ‘right to be forgotten’ on foot of the Google Spain ruling.  Google conceded and took steps to remove all images and webpages that appeared in respect of our client relating to a previous criminal trial they were involved. 

Facebook Moderators

Darragh was recently instructed to act for a number of individuals in their quest for greater protections for those who are tasked with removing harmful content from Facebook and other social media platforms. He is now instructed in an International Claim seeking compensation for those victims.

 

Director

Claire McKeegan

Claire McKeegan has been described as one of Northern Ireland’s leading human rights lawyers and a tireless advocate for justice.

She has developed a specialist practice in Human Rights, Public Law, and Litigation, becoming a notable figure in high-profile legal battles. She is recognised by Chambers and Partners as being among the leaders in her area of expertise.

Claire campaigned for and represented survivors and victims throughout the HIA Inquiry which reported in 2017.  Claire’s is recognised for her specialist practise representing victims and survivors of Historical and clerical abuse.   She was instrumental in securing over £100 million in compensation for victims of Historical institutional abuse following the JR80 Court of Appeal case. This landmark case, which found that the Executive acted unlawfully in failing to provide a compensation scheme, led directly to the passage of the HIA Redress Bill in Parliament, resulting in compensation payment to hundreds of victims of abuse.

In addition, Claire’s campaign work on behalf of patients and their families resulted in the Department of Health announcing a public inquiry into Muckamore Abbey Hospital, where she continues to advocate for answers and justice for the majority of the affected patients families affected by institutional abuse in a hospital setting in NI.

She represented the patients families at the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom in relation to a Challenge brought by one of the former staff at the hospital currently before the Crown Court to seek to suspend the Muckamore Inquiry.

Claire’s notable achievements include her work over the last decade in some of the most grave and serious sexual abuse cases against the Catholic Church. She lead the case on behalf of Gerard Gorman against the Diocese of Dromore and St Colmans College which ultimately resulted in the resignation of Bishop John McAreavey over his and Bishop Gerard Brooks handling of the Malachy Finegan abuse scandal.  This case is documented in BBC Spotlight Documentary “Buried Secrets” and “So young: The taking of my life by the Catholic Church ~ Gerard Gorman.”

She has secured the largest settlements for survivors of abuse in Northern Ireland including a recent case against the Congregation of the Order of the Vincentians for £1,000,000.000.

Claire also acted for multiple vulnerable individuals denied medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic and acted for a group of front line NHS doctors who were exposed during the pandemic without adequate Personal Protection Equipment to attempt to secure adequate provision of protective gear. https://www.irishnews.com/coronavirus/2020/03/26/news/-fearful-frontline-nurses-seek-legal-advice-over-mask-shortages-and-testing-1878959/

Another passion of Claires, where she is developing a growing caseload is in in environmental law. She has advanced cases that ensure the protection of green spaces in deprived communities, such as the high profile Judicial Review proceedings which were successful at the Court of Appeal in saving the Craigavon Park and Lake from construction.

More recently she successfully led the Judicial Review challenge against brought by an affected former patient, concerning the deregistration of Dr. Michael Watt, ensuring that clinical failings would be exposed in a public fitness-to-practise hearing.

Claire continues to work with and on behalf of survivors of Mother and Baby Homes in Northern Ireland and their efforts culminated in the launch of a Public Inquiry and Independent Panel into this appalling chapter of history. Her involvement in these complex and emotional cases spans the last decade.

Claire acted for the leading Legacy Civil Litigation case, John Flynn in the High Court and Court of Appeal.  This cited case set the parameters for discovery in troubles related legacy litigation in Northern Ireland.  The PSNI admitted liability in the course of the litigation in a case which alleges collusion between state agents and PSNI resulting in two attempts on our clients life.

Claire represents the family of murdered German backpacker, Inga Maria Hauser.  Inga was an 18-year-old student on holiday from her native Munich, interrailing round the UK, for a spring break in April 1988 when she was callously murdered and dumped in Ballypatrick Forest in North Antrim.  The family had endured 36 years of waiting for Justice and truth about the death of Inga, when Claire secured an Inquest into her death in 2024.  This ongoing case is in its preliminary stages before the Coroners Court in Belfast.

Claire a regular contributor on Human Rights law issues in both traditional and online media. She has made many appearances on UK and international news services including Sky news, BBC, RTE, ITV.

She has delivered a number of guest lectures at QUB, UU and the Inn of Court of Northern Ireland.

https://law.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofLaw/news/archive-21-22/WomenasLegalChangemakersConference.html#:~:text=Claire%20McKeegan&text=She%20represents%20SAVIA%20and%20acted,through%20Parliament%20in%20November%202019.

NOTABLE CASES

1. John Flynn -v- PSNI https://www.judiciaryni.uk/files/judiciaryni/decisions/Flynn%2C%20John%20and%20The%20Chief%20Constable%20of%20the%20Police%20Services%20of%20Northern%20Ireland.pdf
2. JR80 Court of Appeal: Secured over £100 million in compensation for victims of institutional abuse. https://www.judiciaryni.uk/files/judiciaryni/decisions/JR80%27s%20Application_1.pdf

• Muckamore Abbey Hospital Public Inquiry: Achieved inquiry into institutional abuse in a modern healthcare setting. https://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2020/09/09/news/public-inquiry-major-victory-for-families-2060565/
• Clare McCann JR Court of Appeal.  This case quashed the decision of the ABC Council to grant planning to a Regional College in the Craigavon Park and Lake.  https://www.judiciaryni.uk/files/judiciaryni/decisions/McCann%27s%20%28Clare%29%20Application.pdf

• Malachy Finegan Abuse Scandal: Claire represented the lead survivor in his action.  The case Led to the resignation of Bishop John McAreavey and secured one of the largest settlements for abuse survivors. The case also set out guidelines in relation to 3^rd Party Disclosure in Personal Injury cases. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09rjqlt

https://www.judiciaryni.uk/files/judiciaryni/decisions/FS%20and%20The%20Diocese%20of%20Dromore%20and%20The%20Board%20of%20Governors%20of%20St%20Colman%27s%20College%2C%20Nerwy%20and%20The%20Department%20of%20Education.pdf

• COVID-19 Judicial Reviews: Represented vulnerable individuals and healthcare workers to obtain life-saving care and PPE during the pandemic. https://www.phoenix-law.org/spotlight-inside-the-pandemic/

• Mother and Baby Homes Public Inquiry: Secured justice for survivors after an eight-year campaign for a public inquiry.

https://www.loveballymena.online/post/tv-mother-and-baby-homes-in-the-spotlight-in-the-next-utv-up-close

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/27/opinion/pope-visit-ireland.html

• Dr. Michael Watt Case: Successfully challenged his deregistration, ensuring a public hearing into clinical failings by Judicial Review https://www.judiciaryni.uk/files/judiciaryni/decisions/%5B2023%5DNIKB46Final%20-%20Typed.pdf

• McClarnon McGuinness -v- The Sisters of Nazareth https://www.judiciaryni.uk/files/judiciaryni/decisions/Patricia%20McClarnon%20v%20The%20Sisters%20of%20Nazareth%20and%20Lindsay%20O%27Neill.pdf

1. HIA Data Breach – largest class Action in NI.  Interim advocate email data breach, so far she has secured compensation for 10 of the 89 plaintiffs. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj65nn13n8jo

1. Inga Maria Hauser link to murder in Badlands

Memberships and Recognition

1. Claire is on the committee and currently the Treasurer of the Belfast Solicitors Association
2. She is a Trustee of the Old Church Centre in Cushendun (Arts Centre)
3. She is Ranked by Chambers and Partners in Administrative and Public Law

Director

Peter Corrigan

Partner

Gavin Booth

Gavin Booth specialises in Actions against the Police, Public Law and Prison Law. In a short time, he has developed a specialist practice in these areas.  He regularly appears in some of the most high-profile actions against the Police cases, prison law and public law challenges in this jurisdiction. 

Gavin has developed a specialist practice acting in legacy cases for those victims who have been bereaved or injured arising out of incidents during the conflict.  

He is currently involved in some of the most high-profile legacy cases emanating from the period commonly referred to as ‘the troubles,’ including the RUC murder of Colum Marks in April 1991, the murder of Seamus Ludlow in County Louth in 1976, the attack on the Thierafurth Inn Bar in November 1992, and the murders of Dwyane O’Donnell and Thomas Armstrong at Boyle’s Bar in Cappagh in March 1991.

Gavin has appeared in both the Irish Supreme Court and the UK Supreme Court.  In the Irish Supreme Court in YY -v- Minister for Justice, concerning the deportation of an ISIS suspect and in theUK Supreme Court in Re Anthony McIntyre [2019] which challenged the lawfulness of the controversial decision by the police to rely on tapes collected from the Boston College project. Gavin has also secured the largest civil settlement in the Boston College cases in this jurisdiction for the claimants.

Gavin holds an LLM Masters in Human Rights Law and Transitional Justice. Gavin co-authored two reports with Doughty Street Chambers in London. The first report was on the Repeal of the Human Rights Acts in Northern Ireland and the second on the effect of Media Concentration in Ireland. Gavin addressed the European Parliament in Brussels on two occasions.

Outside of work Gavin is also a Director of the Newry Charity Davina’s Ark which specialises in addiction and after care.

Actions against the Police & Public Law

1. Thierafurth Inn – Collusion in County Down (Re John McEvoy)

In 2016 the then Police Ombudsman Dr. Michael Maguire released his report on Loughinsiand. The report was tasked with looking at issues of Collusion between Loyalist paramilitaries and members of the Security forces including the RUC and UDR. The report ultimately concluded that collusion was a significant feature of the murders.  The Report for the first time linked other cases prior to the events at the Heights Bar in Loughinisland including the murder of Jack Kielty in Dundrum, the attempted murder of Peter McCarthy and the attack on the Thierafurth Inn in 1992. Mr John McEvoy challenged the failure of the PSNI to investigate the allegations into his attempted murder at the Thierafurth Inn in 1992 and sought a fresh independent investigation into the not only the events at the Thierafurth Inn, but all the murders associated with this murder gang.

The relevant media footage can be accessed here:  

2. Agent Provocateur Sandy Lynch and others (R -v- Clinton and Armstrong)

In an out of time appeal, Gavin was instructed by the appellants Clinton and Armstrong in successfully overturning the 30-year-old convictions as a result of the fresh evidence that they were entrapped by a state agent (or a covert human intelligence source) acting as an agent provocateur.

 The relevant media footage can be accessed here   

3. Raymond McCreesh Park (Re Rosaleen Murphy)

The applicant a Newry Pensioner and local resident sought to challenge the decision of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s decision to dispose of Raymond McCreesh Park through their D1 Disposal Process without consultation with the local community.

The relevant media footage can be accessed here

4. Boston College tapes (Re Anthony McIntyre)

This was a challenge to the Divisional Courts refusal to allow the applicant a right of appeal in Northern Ireland. The Supreme Court heard arguments on whether the Supreme Court has jurisdiction to hear the applicant’s proposed appeal given that the court from which he seeks to appeal declined to certify that a point of law of general public importance was involved in the decision.

The relevant media footage can be accessed here

5. Irish Supreme Court in Deportation of ISIS Suspect

In this determination (YY v Minister for Justice & Equality), the Supreme Court granted YY leave for a leapfrog appeal from the High Court decision to allow his deportation to proceed, due to the exceptional circumstances of the case. YY was previously imprisoned for planning terrorist acts—including in Ireland. But, if deported to his home state, he faces the risk of treatment contrary to Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights (prohibition of torture).

The relevant media footage can be accessed here

The Judgment can be accessed here

6. RUC Murder of IRA volunteer Colum Marks (Re R. Rooney)

In 2016 the then Police Ombudsman History Directorate refused to establish an investigation to the death of Colum Marks in 1991. The Ombudsman claimed he was unable to order a fresh investigation in the absence of new information following a previous review by the RUC at the time. Following media attention in the case a new witness came forward which brought a fresh decision for a new investigation. 

The relevant media footage can be accessed here

7. Immediate Investigation by PONI into the murder of Colum Marks (Re Roisin Marks)

This matter relates to a Judicial Review application brought by Mrs. Róisin Marks in relation to the delay in investigation by the Police Ombudsman in investigating her son’s death in Downpatrick County Down by the RUC. The Applicant was granted leave to apply for judicial review against the decision of the Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland (“PONI”) contained in the letter dated 20 July 2017, namely that PONI cannot conduct an investigation into the circumstances of Mr Marks death within a reasonable time scale due to the failure of the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) to provide sufficient funding to PONI. In 2017, Roisin Marks brought a judicial review challenge against the failure of the Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland (“PONI”) to carry out a timeous investigation into her complaint about the shooting of Colum Marks in Downpatrick in 1991. She also sought to challenge the ongoing failure of the Department of Justice, the Executive Committee, and/or the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to provide adequate funding to the PONI to enable it to carry out legacy investigations without undue delay. 

The relevant media footage can be accessed here

8. DOJ failure to fund the Office of Police Ombudsman. (Re Brendan Morgan)

This matter relates to an application brought by Mr Brendan Morgan in relation to the failure of the Police Ombudsman to carry out a timeous investigation into his complaint into his attempted murder and the attack on the Thierafurth Inn Bar, in Kilcoo County Down in 1992. Background2.On 27 March 2019, Mr Morgan brought a judicial review challenge against the failure of the Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland (“PONI”) to carry out a timeous investigation. He also sought to challenge the ongoing failure of the Department of Justice to provide adequate funding to the PONI to enable it to carry out legacy investigations without undue delay.

The relevant media footage can be accessed here  

9. Boston College Tapes (Re Anthony McIntyre)

In 2001 Mr. McIntyre became involved in an academic oral history project known as the “Belfast Project” with the tapes becoming known as the Boston College Tapes. On 3 September 2014 the PSNI requested that the PPS issue an ILOR in respect of McIntyre’s tapes. The ILOR was issued on 9 February 2015 through Mutual Legal Assistance under Section 7(5) of the Crime (International Cooperation) Act 2003 seeking access to McIntyre oral tapes. Mr. McIntyre sought to challenge this.

The Judgment can be accessed here

10. Further investigation into the murder of Seamus Ludlow (Re Thomas Fox)

This was a challenge to the decision of the Minister for Justice’s ongoing failure or refusal to establish two commissions of investigation pursuant to the Commission of Investigation Act 2004 (“the 2004 Act”) as per the recommendations of the Houses of the Oireachtas and Judge Henry Barron for the further Commissions into the handling of the murder of Seamus Ludlow by An Garda Síochána. In 2020 this matter was brought before the Court of Appeal in Dublin with judgment reserved.

The Judgment can be accessed here

Prison Law

11. Licence Conditions to extend to ROI  – (Re Gerard McManus (and Keith McConnan)

This was a challenge taken by Mr. McManus from County Donegal and Mr. McConnan from County Louth following their release on licence.  Each of the applicants were subject to licence conditions. These conditions required the applicants to reside in United Kingdom during the period of their licence. Both applicants through these proceedings challenged the refusal to permit them to reside in the Republic of Ireland during their conditions. 

The Judgment can be accessed here.

12. Right for separated Prisoners to use Internet for Education. (Re Brendan McConville)

This was a challenge brought regarding the prison failure to allow the applicant access to computer facilities whilst in custody for the purposes of completing his degree.  

The Judgment can be accessed here

The relevant media footage can be accessed here

13. Access to the Prison Library (Re Sean McVeigh)

This is a challenge brought against NIPS refusal to allow separated prisoners access to the Prison Library or access to Prison Library books. 

14. Transfer to separated conditions on safety grounds (Re: Luke O’Neill

The applicant was remanded to Maghaberry Prison on 27 September 2016. Since then he has been seeking admission to the separated landing for Republican prisoners at Roe House. He argues that it is only in these conditions that he will be safe in prison. His transfer to separated conditions was refused by way of a written notice on 26 October 2016.  As a result, he sought to challenge this citing safety concerns for the place he was housed. 

 The Judgment can be accessed here

15. Failure to properly investigate death threats (Re Luke O’Neill)

Following the matter being remitted by the Court of Appeal back to the trial judge the applicant sought extensive Discovery against the respondents which showed that there was a death threat against the Applicant in the place he was housed. An offer of £50,000 was placed against the applicant and the Prison became aware of this. The Applicant then sought to challenge this for a finding of a breach of Article 2 of ECHR. 

 The Judgment can be accessed here The relevant media footage can be accessed here

16. Information Sharing between Hospitals and Prisons (Re Michael Larkin).

This is a challenge to the refusal to permit the applicant a period of temporary release to visit his mother in hospital before her death. The Applicant argues that this was in breach of his rights as protected by Article 8 ECHR and was unlawful. The applicant learned in the proceedings that the Trust and the Prison refused to provide the necessary information to allow the correct decision to be made.

Chief Operating Officer

Elaine Conlon

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Natalie Carter

Senior Associate

Sinead Marmion

Sinead is a Senior Associate with expertise in dealing with asylum and immigration cases. She has an LLM in Human Rights Law at Queen’s University Belfast and is fluent in French. 

Sinead has built up an expertise in immigration and asylum work, with specialism in unaccompanied children’s claims. 

Judicial Review

Sinead has specialism in public law challenges in immigration cases through judicial review. She has successfully challenged the Home Office’s decision in respect of a minor asylum-seeker’s age assessment, which is the first of its kind in the jurisdiction. She has a number of judicial review challenges ongoing in respect of the Home Office’s delays in deciding asylum claims within a reasonable time. She is also acting in the first challenge in Northern Ireland in respect of how the rights of asylum seekers interact with the rights enshrined in Article 2 of the Northern Ireland Protocol. Sinead is acting in a judicial review against the PPS in the Divisional Court in respect of a failure to prosecute forced labour and slavery of fishermen in a Northern Irish port, which is also the first case of its kind in Northern Ireland. She is instructed in a number of judicial reviews against the Home Office in their failure to recognise her client as victims of trafficking. She has also acted in appeals from the High Court to the Court of Appeal.

Tribunals

She has represented clients at the First tier Tribunal, Upper Tribunal, and Asylum Support Tribunal. This includes successful challenges to refusals of asylum in LGBT cases, political persecution cases and religious persecution cases. She has also had successes in challenging refusals of granting of residence cards by the Home Office on derivative rights of residence cases through the Zambrano route. Sinead has also represented clients who have faced destitution due to unlawful refusals to grant asylum support through representation at the Asylum Support Tribunal. 

Sinead also provides legal support on family and criminal defence cases arising from her immigration work. 

Advice

She works closely with Barnardo’s Independent Guardian Service in dealing with cases for unaccompanied minors. Sinead also works with victims of trafficking and modern slavery and works closely with Flourish NI. Sinead is also retained by South Tyrone Empowerment Programme (STEP), which is Northern Ireland’s largest migrant organisation run by veteran civil rights activist, Bernadette McAliskey. Through her work with STEP, Sinead advises on complex cases involving Europeans and their family members applying to the European Settlement Scheme. 

Sinead has experience in a wide range of immigration related matters including; entry clearance, family reunion, spouse and fiancé visas, family visas, European Economic Area (EEA), visit visas, and settlement and naturalisation applications. 

Sinead obtains instruction from clients who are in detention in Larne House Detention Centre, often facing removal and deportation. This can lead to bail applications, asylum claims, judicial review,  urgent injunctions, and unlawful detention claims. 

Membership

Sinead has assisted on setting up the first Northern Ireland regional working group for the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (ILPA).

She is also Chair of the Law Society’s Immigration Practitioners’ Group. 

Sinead has recently been appointed as Module Coordinator for the Immigration module on the Public Law & Tribunals course in the Institute of Professional Legal Studies in Queen’s University Belfast. 

Sinead is a member of Phoenix Law’s wellbeing committee.

Senior Associate

Sophie McClintock

Sophie McClintock graduated with an LLB (Hons) in Law with Politics from Queen’s University Belfast in 2016. Sophie trained as a Solicitor in Phoenix Law and attended the Institute of Professional Legal Studies at Queen’s. Sophie was awarded a Commendation whilst at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies and she qualified as a solicitor in 2020

Sophie works in the Criminal Defence Department in the firm. In the Criminal Defence Department Sophie works with experienced solicitor Peter Corrigan to provide expert advice to clients in custody when arrested or prosecuted for criminal offences.

She has extensive experience in Magistrates Court cases, Terrorism Act and PACE arrests, Youth Court proceedings, Crown Court cases (both judge only and jury trials), Fraud prosecutions, Extradition cases involving European Arrest Warrants both in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, Appeals to the Northern Ireland Court of Criminal Appeal and applications to the Criminal Cases Review Commission.

Sophie also has worked on a number of cases in the Republic of Ireland to include the Special Criminal Court and Court of Appeal.

She has experience as a criminal defence lawyer at all court levels having worked on a number of high-profile criminal cases in Northern Ireland including the cases of;

R v Gary Marshall

R v Damien McLaughlin

Sophie was chosen as one of the 100 women globally to be featured in Face the Futures campaign of the next 100 years of Women in Law.

Solicitor

Harry Robinson

Harry is a Solicitor at Phoenix Law who supports the public law, inquests and inquiries department with a specific focus on environmental actions and mental health challenges. 

Harry has been involved in a number of judicial review challenges to decisions made by public authorities regarding the environment, and in particular, challenges involving the human rights act in the context of protecting the environment. 

Harry has appeared in some of the most high-profile environmental law challenges in this jurisdiction, including the Mullaghglass Landfill challenge, the challenge to the Dalradian Goldmine planning permission, and a potential challenge against the Government for their failure to reduce harmful emissions within Belfast City Centre. 

He has been involved in an extensive number of challenges of decisions which permit environmentally harmful development or activity, including activity which directly harms the health of local populations.  These cases involve complex legal matters including principles derived from European Union law and often technical scientific evidence. 

Harry also appears in a number of high-profile Inquests and related judicial review challenges.  He has a particular focus on state responsibility inquests, which include deaths in custody and mental health institutions.   He is part of the Team that represents the Stardust Families who were bereaved as a result of the Stardust Fire in Dublin on Valentine’s Day in 1981. 

With a background in volunteering in the charity sector on issues regarding mental health, Harry regularly appears in representing victims before the Mental Health Tribunal. 

Notable Cases

Re McCarthy & McAleenon – Challenge to emissions produced from Mullaghglass Landfill (Belfast High Court) 

The Stardust Inquest – Dublin Coroner’s Court 

Re McGuigan – Challenge to the refusal to perform an exhumation (Belfast High Court) 

Re Tracey – Challenge to Dalradian Goldmine (Belfast High Court) 

Re Kevin Loughran – Environmental Challenge (Court of Appeal, Belfast) 

Solicitor

Victoria Haddock

Victoria Haddock is a trainee solicitor in the Healthcare, Litigation and Abuse team, having joined the firm in 2020.   

Victoria specialises in historical institutional abuse, including applications and appeals to the HIA Redress Scheme. She has achieved numerous maximum awards for sexual, emotional and physical abuse in the majority of religious and state-run institutions within the scope of the Hart Inquiry.    

She has successfully obtained over £2 million in compensation for her clients since the outset of the scheme. 

Victoria also has experience in Judicial Review and High Court matters and is currently instructed in a number of actions currently before the High Court.

Victoria graduated from Queen’s University with an LLB in Law and an LLM in Human Rights and Criminal Justice. She is now completing her solicitor training at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies. She is particularly interested in sexual offences and abuse, having previously contributed to The Gillen Review into the law on sexual offences in Northern Ireland. 

Solicitor

Melissa Davidson

Melissa  graduated from Queen’s University Belfast in 2020 with a First Class Honours Degree in Law. She graduated with a Distinction from the Institute of Professional Legal Studies and qualified as a solicitor in October 2022. 

Melissa has experience across a broad spectrum of family and matrimonial law matters, including Children Order proceedings, domestic abuse cases, and all aspects of separation – such as divorce, financial negotiations and settlements, and ancillary relief. She regularly appears before family courts at all levels and has a particular interest in family and children’s rights. 

Melissa frequently represents clients in complex public law cases involving social services, particularly where serious allegations of abuse, neglect, or non-accidental injury are raised. 

Melissa prides herself on providing practical, empathetic advice, ensuring her clients feel supported and well-represented during often difficult and emotional circumstances. She is committed to delivering clear, strategic guidance tailored to each client’s unique situation, with a strong focus on safeguarding the best interests of children and families. 

Litigation Manager

Danielle Cromie

Solicitor

Diarmuid Brecknell

Diarmuid is a Trainee Solicitor in the Public Law, Inquests and Inquiries Department.  Having completed his LLB Degree at Ulster University, Diarmuid has specialised in both inquests and actions against public authorities. He is instructed in some of the most high-profile inquests in the jurisdiction.  Diarmuid continues to act in several high value civil actions for damages as a result of acts by public and private authorities.   

Diarmuid has assisted in some of the most contentious and complex challenges to public authorities coming before the Courts in recent times.  Such experience includes the recent Supreme Court case of Re McGuigan & McKenna (‘The Hooded Men’), and the Court of Appeal decision in Re Barnard (‘The Glenanne Series’) which resulted in the Court ordering a fresh investigation into the murder of over 120 deaths.   

Diarmuid’s extensive inquest and inquiry experience includes appearing in the high-profile Stardust Fire Inquest in Dublin, the Ballymurphy Inquest, and the Hickson Public Inquiry into historic child abuse.   

Diarmuid continues to act in several high value civil actions for damages as a result of acts by public and private authorities.   

Trainee Solicitor

Shanagh McAllister

Shanagh McAllister is a trainee solicitor in the Litigation, Healthcare and Abuse department. Prior to joining the firm in 2022 as a paralegal, Shanagh graduated from Queen’s University Belfast with an LLB in Law and from Trinity College Dublin with an LLM in International and Comparative Law.

Shanagh works closely with experienced senior partner Claire McKeegan in various actions before the High Court, specialising in historical institutional abuse, clinical negligence, and personal injury. 

She is involved in high profile civil actions against religious bodies and schools, representing victims and survivors of Fr Malachy Finegan and Br Paul Dunleavy. She is also a member of the redress team, representing clients in their applications to the Historical Institutional Abuse Redress Board against various religious and state-run institutions. Shanagh also has experience in data protection and privacy actions. She is involved in the unprecedented number of actions against the Interim Advocate for Victims and Survivors of Historical Institutional Abuse and The Executive Office following the circulation of the May 2020 newsletter, which mistakenly revealed the names and email addresses of over 250 victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse. 

Shanagh has gained experience in clinical negligence claims. She assists clients in actions resulting from the Independent Neurology Inquiry and the recall of a large number of patients by the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust following concerns of misdiagnoses by consultant neurologist Dr Michael Watt. Shanagh works closely with our clients affected by a potential misdiagnosis and administration of incorrect disease modifying treatments. Shanagh also has experience in handling industrial disease claims arising from the exposure to asbestos and asbestos-related illnesses. 

Shanagh also has experience in judicial review, challenging decisions made by public authorities in relation to education and healthcare provisions, and in inquests, investigating the deaths of clients’ loved ones in healthcare facilities. Shanagh has also worked closely with clients and their loved ones before the Office of Care and Protection, securing Declaratory Orders and Controllership.

Shanagh is a member of the Phoenix Law team diligently working on the Muckamore Abbey Hospital Inquiry, representing 46 Core Participants to the Inquiry.

Trainee Solicitor

Conor Campbell-Brennan

Conor is a Trainee Solicitor in the Actions against the Police and Prison Law Department.   

Having completed his LLB Degree at Queens University, Conor has specialised in Civil Actions against public authorities, most notably the PSNI and NI Prison Service.   

Further, Conor has extensive experience in representing client’s before the Parole Commissioners (DCS, ECS, ICS & Life Sentences), Prison Issues and Judicial Reviews, of which have been of significance, such as Re Johnston’s Application [2024] & Re Sheerin’s Application [2025]. 

Conor continues to act in several high value civil actions for damages as a result of acts by public authorities, alongside Prison Issues, Judicial Review’s and Parole Commissioners hearings. 

Trainee Solicitor

Alannah Faulkner

Alannah Faulkner is a Trainee Solicitor at Phoenix Law, currently undertaking her solicitor training at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies (IPLS), Queen’s University Belfast. She is developing expertise in immigration, asylum, and public law, with a strong commitment to defending the rights of migrants, refugees, and victims of exploitation. 

Alannah graduated with a 2:1 in Law (LLB) in 2020, and then went on to completing a Master’s in Law and Technology, awarded with Commendation.  

Legal Experience & Casework 

As part of her training at Phoenix Law, Alannah is actively involved in: 

• Assisting with asylum and protection claims, including cases involving unaccompanied minors, LGBTQ+ persecution, and religious or political persecution. 

• Supporting judicial review proceedings against the Home Office, especially those concerning age assessments, systemic delays, and victim of trafficking recognition. 

• Preparing applications for entry clearance, family reunion, indefinite leave to remain, and EU Settlement Scheme cases. 

• Assisting in cases involving clients detained in Larne House Detention Centre, many of whom are facing removal or deportation.  

• Handling appeals in the First-tier Tribunal and Upper Tribunal, advocating for clients through complex immigration proceedings. 

Alannah plays a key role in supporting the firm’s community-focused legal work, including: 

• Working alongside Barnardo’s Independent Guardian Service in cases involving unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. 

• Supporting survivors of modern slavery and trafficking through collaboration with Flourish NI. 

Currently completing her solicitor training through IPLS, Alannah brings a thoughtful, rights-focused approach to her work. Her training includes exposure to both strategic litigation and everyday casework, giving her a well-rounded foundation for practice. 

She is passionate about human rights, public law, and immigration reform, and is committed to using the law as a tool for meaningful change. 

Trainee Solicitor

Megan Burns

Megan is a trainee solicitor at Phoenix Law, working primarily within the Criminal & Regulatory Law team. She also works on cases involving data and media law, with a particular interest in the intersection between law and emerging technologies. 

Megan holds an LLB in Law and an LLM in Law and Technology from Queen’s University Belfast. Her academic background has given her a strong foundation in digital evidence and forensic technology, which she applies to both criminal and public law cases. She has authored academic theses on the regulation of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, contributing to her nuanced understanding of these complex areas. 

Megan has experience across a broad spectrum of criminal law, including cases involving the Terrorism Act, Crown Court proceedings, extradition matters, and appeals before the Northern Ireland Court of Criminal Appeal. She has worked on cases at all levels, from Magistrates’ Courts to the Court of Appeal. 

In addition to her criminal law work, Megan assists on matters involving the misuse of the internet and information technology. She has worked on cases relating to defamation, the right to be forgotten and data protection, reflecting her strong interest in digital rights and privacy. 

Megan has played a key role in a number of high-profile trials and public law proceedings, including legal challenges to the seizure and forfeiture of assets under the Proceeds of Crime Act and various terrorism-related legislation. 

She also has significant cross-jurisdictional experience, having been instructed in cases before the High Court and Court of Appeal in both Belfast and London, and most recently in proceedings before the Special Criminal Court in Dublin. 

Notable Cases 

• R v Mamadu Djalo – Murder (Belfast Crown Court) 

• DPP v Lisa Smith – Terrorism-related offences (Special Criminal Court, Dublin) 

• R v Gerard Lagan – Double Murder (Belfast Crown Court) 

• R v Jake O’Brien – Murder (Belfast Crown Court) 

• Operation Arbacia – High-profile terrorism prosecution (Ongoing) 

• Re Amanda Duffy & Others – Appeal (Court of Appeal, Belfast) 

• Met Police v SR & Others – Extradition (Westminster Magistrates’ Court) 

Trainee Solicitor

James Morgan

James is a Trainee Solicitor specialising in Criminal Defence. Having completed his Law Degree at Queen’s University Belfast, James has developed experience in representing defendants before both the Magistrates’ Court, the Crown Court and the Special Criminal Court in Dublin, with particular involvement in terrorism-related cases, extradition and appeals.

James has been involved in notable cases, including R v Charlie Love (ongoing), R v Jake O’Brien, Operation Arbacia, and the historic re-interment of Roger Casement’s remains.

Through his work, James continues to gain significant experience in complex and high-profile criminal proceedings, building a strong foundation for practice within criminal defence.

Paralegal

Colm Dore

Colm is currently a Legal Executive at Phoenix Law, working primarily on Public Law, Inquests and Inquiries. He appeared in the high-profile Stardust Fire Inquests in Dublin  

He works on both Immigration and Criminal matters, in addition to steering civil action against public authorities.

Paralegal

Millie Clancy

Millie graduated in Law in 2024.   Since then she  has specialised in civil actions against public authorities, in particular the PSNI, as well as cases involving the Prison Service. 

She has experience assisting in matters before the Parole Commissioners (DCS, ECS, ICS & Life Sentences), alongside work on Prison Law issues, Judicial Reviews, and civil claims for damages arising from the acts of public authorities. 

Millie continues to develop her practice in these areas, supporting clients in complex cases across Prison Law, Parole, and Civil Litigation against the Police. 

Paralegal

Aleena Joseph

Aleena is a paralegal in the Litigation, Healthcare and Abuse department. She graduated from King’s College, London with an LLB and shortly joined the firm.  

She has experience in historical institutional abuse, aiding applicants through the HIA redress scheme. Aleena is also involved data protection and privacy matters. 

She also has experience in County Court proceedings, specifically in relation to race discrimination and refusal of services to minority communities.  

Aleena is also involved and has experience in judicial review matters, challenging decisions made by public authorities in relation to education and healthcare provisions. 

Paralegal

Órán Cahill

Órán Cahill is a Paralegal within the Family Law Department, providing support across a range of matters with an initial focus on contact orders. His responsibilities include assisting clients in navigating legal processes, drafting documentation, and ensuring the smooth progression of cases. 

Órán holds a BCL in Law and Politics (International) from Maynooth University. He brings particular strengths in client communication and a strong knowledge of legal aid, enabling him to provide clear and practical support to clients during complex and often challenging circumstances. 

He is committed to assisting families in finding resolution and achieving the best possible outcomes. 

Paralegal

Karolina Skeivyte

I have graduated from Ulster University with an LLB in Law in 2019. Since then I have been working as a paralegal in immigration, I joined Phoenix Law in March 2025, prior to this I have successfully managed and led my own immigration department, overseeing case work, managing workloads, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality legal support, through which I gained many valuable skills.

Throughout the years I have gained a vast amount of expertise and knowledge of the UK immigration system, specialising in asylum, humanitarian protection, and a broad range of immigration applications such as family visas and citizenship . 

I am extremely passionate about my work and I always try my best to guide my clients through the complexities of immigration applications to ensure the process is clear and understandable for them. 

My goal is always the same: to deliver accurate, timely, and compassionate support that makes a real difference in people’s lives.

Secretary

Lynne Lines

Receptionist

Sharon Jennings

Receptionist

Katrina Sewell

Ulster University Graduate Scheme

Amy McConaghy

Amy jointed Phoenix Law in 2024 through the UU Graduate Scheme working  in our Immigration and Asylum team. She provides support across a wide range of immigration matters, including asylum and humanitarian claims, human rights applications, and appeals before the First tier and Upper Tribunals. 

Amy assists in the preparation of complex cases, often involving vulnerable individuals such as unaccompanied minors, victims of trafficking, and LGBTQ+ asylum seekers. She works with community organisations including Rainbow Refugees, Flourish NI, and Barnardo’s helping clients navigate the legal system with empathy and care. 

Her role includes legal research, drafting supporting documents, and maintaining regular communication with clients. 

Amy is committed to upholding human rights and access to justice within the immigration system.  

Ulster University Graduate Scheme

Luke Haycock

Luke is a Paralegal through the UU Graduate Scheme and works in the Actions Against the Police, Public Law, Prison Law and Civil Law Departments. Having joined the firm in September 2024, he combines his role with completing his studies at Ulster University, Belfast, as part of the degree apprenticeship programme. 

Luke has developed experience across a broad range of public and civil law matters. He regularly assists in complex challenges brought against prisons and acts in claims arising from police misconduct, including assault. His work also includes both bringing and defending injunctions in cases involving harassment and protection. 

Luke is currently instructed in a number of high-profile High Court proceedings concerning unlawful strip searches carried out by the PSNI and the Northern Ireland Prison Service.