Department profile
Carson McDowell

Banking & Finance

UK Guide 2026 : Northern Ireland

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Carson McDowell

Rankings

About

Provided by Carson McDowell

Type of work handled

  • Asset Finance Leasing and Receivables
  • ​Corporate finance
  • Debt Securities
  • Leveraged & Acquisition Finance
  • Property Finance
  • Invoice Discounting/Factoring
  • Project Finance
  • Energy and Renewables Finance

Categories of clients
  • Major domestic financial institutions; leading international banks, finance houses, investment managers, investment funds, insurance companies and other financial services firms operating in Northern Ireland. Exceptionally strong borrower practice with the firm’s client base including many of Northern Ireland’s leading companies.

Industries (16)

  • Banks
  • Commercial and Professional Services
  • Food & Drink Producers
  • Health Care
  • Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences
  • Real Estate Finance
  • Retail
  • Travel & Leisure
  • Transport and Logistics
  • Media
  • Construction
  • Hospitality
  • Waste
  • Residential Property/Housing
  • Energy and Renewables
  • Commercial Real Estate

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Banking & Finance - Northern Ireland

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Carson McDowell is a respected practice active on behalf of both domestic and international banks. The law firm advises on the full range of banking matters including acquisition finance, asset-based lending and project financing. It is particularly active advising clients on real estate finance, while regularly handling high-profile mortgage portfolio sales and complex refinancing. The team is capable of practising in both Northern Ireland and England and Wales.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Carson McDowell advised Fane Valley Co-operative Society in relation to a refinancing of its existing group bilateral funding arrangements to a new syndicated lending arrangement.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The Carson McDowell team is very practical and efficient in its approach and finds the right balance between protecting the client without overcomplicating the transaction.

    Banking & Finance respondentUK

  • The firm offers efficiency, cost-effectiveness and full involvement from the partner. Overall, the excellence of service with ease of relationship makes for a very accessible service.

    Banking & Finance respondentUK

  • The team was very good at communication throughout the process. They had good attention to detail as well, which ensured they identified a number of key issues that we were able to mitigate.

    Banking & Finance respondentUK

  • Carson McDowell has unparalleled expertise in this area as well as having strong relationships and connections within the local market. Its speed, flexibility and commercial sensitivity sets it apart.

    Banking & Finance respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Sinead McGrath
    Sinead McGrath

    Sinead McGrath

    Sinead McGrath is an experienced banking and finance practitioner who is lauded for her securitisation expertise. She is knowledgeable in loan portfolio acquisitions as well as corporate and real estate finance matters.

    • Sinead's expertise, quality of advice and approachability together give a package of service and support that has provided us with exactly the hand-holding we have needed.

      Banking & Finance respondentUK

    • Sinead is simply brilliant. She is a trusted adviser, always at hand to help with any query.

      Banking & Finance respondentUK
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  • Damian McElholm
    Damian McElholm

    Damian McElholm

    Damian McElholm works for both borrowers and lenders and he is recommended for a broad range of work, including project and property finance, as well as acquisition funding.

    • Damian is great to work with. He communicates well, is professional and easy to get along with.

      Banking & Finance respondentUK
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  • Rachel Lewis
    Rachel Lewis

    Rachel Lewis

    Rachel Lewis is a senior associate who draws praise for her work with large national banks. She has experience acting in real estate financing as well as a range of financings for lenders.

    • Rachel provides high-quality work performed on a timely basis and is highly responsive to all queries and requirements.

      Banking & Finance respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at Carson McDowell (3)

Northern Ireland

Members

Provided by Carson McDowell

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