Department profile
Browne Jacobson

Real Estate

UK Guide 2026 : Northern Ireland

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Browne Jacobson

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About

Provided by Browne Jacobson

The Real Estate team at Davidson McDonnell is widely regarded as one of the leading teams in the Northern Ireland legal market and have advised on some of the most significant commercial property transactions completed in Northern Ireland in recent years.

The team is qualified to advise in both Northern Ireland and England & Wales. They regularly advise on high value, complex deals in both jurisdictions and are regularly instructed by other top tier firms in GB, Ireland and internationally to act on the Northern Irish property aspects of multi-jurisdictional transactions. 

The team’s main areas of expertise include:

  • Sale and purchase of all types of commercial property
  • Lease transactions acting for both landlords and tenants
  • Development and joint venture arrangements
  • Property-based secured lending transactions
  • Construction
  • Property management
  • Effect and implications of Northern Irish business tenancies legislation


Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Real Estate - Northern Ireland

Band 2

What the Team is Known For
Davidson McDonnell is a full-service firm with a strong focus on commercial property transactions. Its areas of expertise include refinancings, acquisitions and sales, as well as transactions involving student accommodation projects. It regularly represents real estate investors and developers.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Davidson McDonnell assisted Lacuna Developments with the acquisition of Knockmore Mill site.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The lawyers are very experienced in a vast amount of different areas.

    Real Estate respondentUK

  • The lawyers are very knowledgeable, efficient and can explain complex arrangements clearly.

    Real Estate respondentUK

  • The real estate team are skilled at distilling and disseminating complex drafting matters into concise points, which aids speed and accuracy of client decision-making.

    Real Estate respondentUK

  • Davidson McDonnell ensures the projects are completed when expected.

    Real Estate respondentUK

  • All staff members from junior to senior are excellent, and the partners are also involved and are very hands-on.

    Real Estate respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Ross Davidson
    Ross Davidson

    Ross Davidson

    Ross Davidson advises on both commercial and residential real estate transactions. His broad practice encompasses acquisitions, disposals, restructuring and development finance matters.

    • Ross Davidson provides an excellent level of service, combining sophisticated legal acumen with a broad commercial awareness of issues influencing the sector and the broader real estate market.

      Real Estate respondentUK

    • I have complete confidence in Ross's professional expertise and judgement. He consistently demonstrates reliability and high-quality legal advice.

      Real Estate respondentUK
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  • David McDonnell
    David McDonnell

    David McDonnell

    David McDonnell regularly acts for developer and investor clients. He advises on a wide range of matters such as acquisitions, disposals and option agreements.

    • David is always available to advise on opportunities we may be looking at. We know we can count on David to provide sound advice at every step of the transaction.

      Real Estate respondentUK

    • David McDonnell is a top-class lawyer with a wealth of experience in the property sector.

      Real Estate respondentUK
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  • Michaela Kilpatrick
    Michaela Kilpatrick

    Michaela Kilpatrick

    Michaela Kilpatrick has developed a strong practice advising on commercial real estate transactions, asset management and development matters.

    • Michaela Kilpatrick provides outstanding legal advice, navigating complex title and drafting issues with ease.

      Real Estate respondentUK

    • Michaela spends a lot of time looking at the task you present to her. I would trust her with any work that needs to be done as her attention to detail is impressive.

      Real Estate respondentUK

    • She is an extremely effective communicator both in negotiations and when dealing directly with client queries.

      Real Estate respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at Browne Jacobson (3)

Northern Ireland

Members

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