Carson McDowell is pleased to announce the appointment of Orlagh O’Neill as Managing Partner and Declan Magee as Senior Partner, effective from 1st May 2026. These appointments mark the next phase of the firm’s strategic development as it continues to grow its market-leading presence in the legal services sector.
Headquartered in Belfast, with offices in Dublin, Carson McDowell now employs more than 230 people, including 136 lawyers, with a partnership of 46.
Orlagh takes over from Roger McMillan as Managing Partner, while Declan succeeds Neasa Quigley as Senior Partner after their six-year term. Under Roger and Neasa’s stewardship, and despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the firm’s turnover has grown by 48% (from £15m to £23m) and headcount from 170 to 230. The firm has significantly expanded its services, strengthened its market position, and secured top rankings in multiple legal disciplines.
Orlagh, who joined the firm as a trainee in 1998, has built a distinguished career at Carson McDowell, most recently serving as Partner and Head of the Employment team for over 10 years. As Managing Partner, she will lead the firm’s operational management, people development, financial performance and internal systems.
She commented, “I am delighted to have been appointed by my partners to lead Carson McDowell during its next period of growth and development. The firm has grown significantly in terms of people, turnover and reputation under Roger and Neasa’s leadership. I congratulate and thank them for their outstanding vision and progress made. I am honoured and committed to driving the firm forward, further strengthening our internal capabilities, embracing innovation and supporting our people.”
Declan, who joined the firm in 1995 and has led the Litigation & Dispute Resolution team for more than 15 years, will oversee the firm’s strategic direction and external engagement with clients, stakeholders and the wider business community. He said,
“I am honoured to take on the role of Senior Partner at such an exciting time for Carson McDowell. I look forward to working closely with Orlagh and the wider team as we continue to build on the firm’s strong foundations, deepen our client relationships, champion the values that have made the firm successful and drive forward our strategic ambitions.”
Roger McMillan and Neasa Quigley reflected jointly on their time in leadership, noting the significance of the structural change they introduced in 2019 and the milestones achieved since.
They commented, “When we took on the roles of Managing Partner and Senior Partner in 2019, the leadership of Carson McDowell was shared between us. This approach has served the firm exceptionally well, allowing us to combine our strengths and guide Carson McDowell through a period of strong and sustained growth. We are immensely proud of the culture, capability and reputation that has continued to develop across the firm, the dedication shown by our colleagues and the loyalty and support of our clients.”
They continued, “It has been a privilege to lead the firm during such a transformative period and are delighted that Orlagh and Declan will now take on these roles. Meanwhile, we look forward to continuing to contribute to the firm in our ongoing practice roles and to supporting the next chapter of its development.”
This leadership announcement follows a year of major recognition for Carson McDowell, including being named Corporate Law Firm of the Year at the Insider Dealmaker Awards, receiving a Highly Commended distinction at the Legal Business Awards in London and securing a place among the Belfast Telegraph Top 100 Companies. The firm also welcomed its largest-ever trainee intake and retained top-tier rankings across a wide range of practice areas in Chambers UK and The Legal 500.
Roger will continue in his role as Head of Healthcare, and Neasa will remain as Joint Head of Corporate and Head of Energy & Renewables, ensuring continuity and ongoing access to their experience.