Department profile
A&L Goodbody

Restructuring/Insolvency

UK Guide 2026 : Northern Ireland

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A&L Goodbody

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About

Provided by A&L Goodbody

A&L Goodbody’s Restructuring and Insolvency team in Belfast has unrivalled experience and expertise in the market. Our extensive and dedicated team has acted as lead advisor on the most significant, high profile and challenging restructurings across the island of Ireland. Our combined Belfast and Dublin team works closely with other specialists in both the Belfast and Dublin offices, demonstrating expertise in commercial law, commercial litigation, property and banking & financial services to provide effective solutions and advice in all insolvency and corporate recovery situations.

We advise domestic and international stakeholders including insolvency practitioners, banks, creditors/bondholders, funds, directors, shareholders and purchasers of distressed businesses. We have particular in-depth understanding of the issues arising in cross-border insolvencies.

Our services and experience includes advising on:

  • Debt restructuring and rescheduling
  • Insolvency-related litigation
  • All forms of corporate insolvency processes
  • Advising directors, shareholders and creditors
  • Distressed business sales and acquisitions
  • Contingency planning and enforcement work
  • Formal insolvency proceedings

Clients (10)

  • Northern Bank Ltd trading as Danske Bank
  • Bank of Ireland UK plc
  • Ulster Bank Limited
  • FRP Advisory Limited
  • Deloitte UK
  • Ernst & Young LLP
  • Alix Partners
  • Duff & Phelps
  • Grant Thornton
  • HNH Group

Industries (8)

  • Banks
  • Commercial & Professional Services
  • Financial Services
  • Government
  • Insurance
  • Mining & Metals
  • Real Estate Finance
  • Real Estate

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Restructuring/Insolvency - Northern Ireland

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

A&L Goodbody has a leading team with a superb grip on the insolvency market in Northern Ireland, renowned for its impressive track record of advising household-name corporates and accountancy firms on both contentious and non-contentious matters. The firm demonstrates impressive skills in areas such as administrations, restructurings and company voluntary arrangements, including proposals seeking the outright termination of commercial property leases. It offers expertise in the retail, hospitality and maritime sectors.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • A&L Goodbody acted as Northern Ireland counsel to the administrators of The Body Shop.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Their reputation for service and knowledge is unmatched in the Northern Ireland market. They inspire confidence among all stakeholders in the insolvency process.

    Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUK

  • The firm demonstrates strong technical expertise, responsiveness and commercial awareness, helping us to achieve legally sound and commercially viable outcomes.

    Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUK

  • The team’s expertise and experience inspire confidence, earning them an excellent reputation in the field.

    Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUK

  • A&L Goodbody provides high-quality advice promptly and in a clear, understandable manner. It is the leading firm in Northern Ireland from a technical insolvency perspective.

    Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUK

  • A&L Goodbody stand out in the industry for their exceptional depth of expertise, commercial acumen and collaborative approach. Their reputation in the local market is second to none.

    Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Michael Neill
    Michael Neill

    Michael Neill

    Michael Neill is managing partner of A&L Goodbody's Belfast office as well as its head of restructuring. He advises banks and insolvency practitioners on high-profile administrations and restructuring mandates.

    • Michael is an excellent insolvency lawyer.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUK

    • Michael leads by example in client service, understanding of the market and commercial awareness.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUK

    • Michael is a big hitter; he's head and shoulders above anyone else in the market.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUK
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  • Sam Corbett
    Sam Corbett

    Sam Corbett

    Sam Corbett is head of the restructuring and insolvency department at A&L Goodbody, and is active in representing clients in corporate insolvencies, receiverships, administrations and liquidations.

    • Sam is second to none in the industry, easily displaying his legal expertise, extensive experience and commercial understanding in an accessible and approachable manner.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUK

    • Sam is one of the brightest guys I have ever met; he's extraordinarily good.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUK

    • Sam is one of the top restructuring lawyers in Northern Ireland. His advice is always accurate, commercial and prompt, demonstrating a deep understanding of our profession.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUK

    • Sam is the market leader in complex insolvency matters. His client service, technical ability and tenacity continue to set the standard for his team and the market.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUK

    • Sam is a first-class professional. He's highly commercial and technically excellent.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUK
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  • Chris Coulter
    Chris Coulter

    Chris Coulter

    Chris Coulter is a highly regarded associate active in assisting with complex restructuring and insolvency matters, including administrations and receiverships.

    • Chris Coulter is a very bright, academically strong lawyer with a relentless work ethic. He’s the lawyer of choice when you need to extract key information from complex and dense cases.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUK

    • Chris stands out for his exceptional attention to detail and thorough understanding of his clients' needs. His ability to break down intricate matters into clear, actionable steps is invaluable.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUK

    • Chris demonstrates exceptional knowledge of insolvency law while providing clear and effective communication.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUK

    • Chris is one of the most technical and meticulous lawyers in Northern Ireland - a truly safe pair of hands. He reviews everything with a fine-tooth comb.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUK

    • Chris is the number one rising star in the Northern Irish legal market.

      Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at A&L Goodbody (3)

Northern Ireland

Members

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