The team at A&L Goodbody Northern Ireland LLP, which is known for being ‘technically sound and commercial in perspective’, is a key name for high value transactions and general corporate advice. The practice is led by David Rowan, who has notable expertise in cross-border transactions for both national and international clients. Mark Thompson is well known for his knowledge of the energy, healthcare, and media sectors. Other key names include Peter Stafford, who is the former head of the Belfast office, and Lauren McCollum, who is a key associate to note.

The corporate and commercial team at Arthur Cox Belfast brings a strong breath of knowledge to assist blue-chip clients across sectors including manufacturing, technology, and retail. The practice is headed by the ‘sharp, pleasant and committed’ Lynsey Mallon, who leads some of the highest value transactions in the market, for example, including advising DFDS on the £140m acquisition of Northern Irish haulage firm McBurney Transport Group. Other notable individuals include David White, who specialises in M&A in the energy sector, Richard Armstrong, who leads many acquisitions in the financial sector, and former chair Alan Taylor, who is now a consultant. Senior associate Lois Arbuthnot provides support to many of the firm’s most valuable clients.

The ‘supremely customer-focused’ corporate team at Carson McDowell has strong experience in both domestic and international corporate transactions. For example, the team recently acted for RiverRidge Group in a rare cross-jurisdictional joint venture transaction which required approval from the European Commission under the EU Merger Regulations. The team is jointly led by Neasa Quigley and Gerard Armstrong. As of 2023, ex-practice head Richard Gray now heads a standalone corporate advisory and governance team within the practice. Hilary Griffith has strong expertise in corporate transactions within the manufacturing sector, while Paul McGuickin is the key contact for clients in the leisure and hospitality sector. At the associate level, Kathryn Laverty is a key figure to note.

The Tughans corporate team is a key name for venture capital and private equity transactions. The ‘very efficient and transparent’ practice works with a strong list of technology, engineering, and healthcare clients. Team lead James Donnelly often heads complex transactions, including a recent sale of fourteen Mexican restaurant sites from Boojum to the well-known dining business Azzurri Group. John McGuckian, who is ‘wise to market trends and legally adept’, serves as key contact for the department’s private equity clients, while Paul O’Brien is a strong figure in venture capital transactions. Aimee Craig handles M&A, joint venture agreements, and corporate restructurings.

The corporate and commercial team at Cleaver Fulton Rankin - ‘a great firm with people who care’ - provides a full offering of commercial, transactional, and corporate finance advice. Head of team Paul McBride - described as ‘very professional, knowledgeable and a pleasure to engage with’ - is a widely renowned figure for big-ticket energy deals. Meanwhile, Stuart Sproule has strong experience acting for clients in the healthcare and pharmaceuticals sector.

The corporate practice at Davidson McDonnell handles a wide variety of work from major M&A deals to venture capital investment. The practice is jointly headed by Vicky Dummigan and Raymond Duddy. The ‘smart, responsive, commercially aware and extremely conscientious’ Dummigan, has expertise in private equity and venture capital funding deals, as well as management buyouts, corporate restructuring, and commercial agreements, while Duddy, who is known as being ‘extremely savvy, personable and highly commercial’ focuses on M&A and transactional matters. Both are qualified to practice in Northern Ireland and England and Wales. Christopher Bullock is another key member of the team, and Alastair Keith joined the team from A&L Goodbody Northern Ireland LLP in late 2024.

The Millar McCall Wylie LLP corporate and commercial teams represent clients including local entrepreneurs, owner-managed businesses, and private equity funds on a wide range of corporate transactions. Team leader Damian McParland has vast experience in the corporate aspects of secured lending and knowledge of the media and entertainment sector. John Finnegan is experienced in the property and gaming industries, while associate director Louise Cavanagh is also heavily involved in much of the practice’s key work.

The ‘personable and responsive’ Mills Selig corporate practice boasts a sizable team of professionals who handle a wide range of transactional matters. Chris Guy, leading the team, has strong experience in management buy-ins and management buy-outs. Core team members also include Glenn Watterson, renowned for his proficiency setting up investment funds, and the ‘dependable’ Darren Marley. Solicitor Emma McCloskey is another notable figure within the team.

The ‘highly commercial’ corporate team at Pinsent Masons Belfast LLP closely collaborates with the firm’s offices in Dublin, Manchester, as well as its wider network, to conduct both domestic and international transactions. The department is led by private equity expert Lisa Early. Michael Hamill regularly handles deals in the energy and technology sectors, while Sarah-Louise Baird, who was promoted to partner in May 2024, is a specialist in the renewable energy sector.

The ‘very responsive’ Shoosmiths LLP corporate practice places a strong emphasis on private equity and venture capital matters, as well as the renewable energy sector. The group is headed by Andrew Jennings and Grant Edwards. The ‘very knowledgeable’ Jennings brings extensive experience in matters concerning corporate finance and IP. Meanwhile, the ‘trusted and highly valued’ Edwards specialises in M&A transactions within the renewable energy sector. At the associate level, Laura Leatham has a track record of work on transactions in the care home and hotel sectors in Northern Ireland and the UK.

The DWF Belfast corporate team offers comprehensive commercial services to both domestic and international clients in Northern Ireland. The group is co-led by James Morrison and Scott Kennedy. Morrison specialises in the TMT, real estate, and life sciences sectors, while Kennedy has a particular interest in advising early-stage companies with a strong technology focus.

The corporate and banking team at Elliott Duffy Garrett are known for being' are exceptional at what they do', advising on matters including the sales of family-owned SMEs and local businesses. Kevin McVeigh heads the practice. Always keeping clients ‘well informed with clear communication’, McVeigh deals with a range of complex matters, including transactions where the previous owner’s will did not pass probate. Cathy Murphy and associate John McElrone are also noteworthy individuals within the team.