UK Guide 2026 : Northern Ireland
Ranked Individuals
Provided by Carson McDowell
Carson McDowell’s Media, Communications and Reputation team is recognised as Northern Ireland’s leading Media Litigation practice, with an unrivalled track record of defending publishers, websites, broadcasters and journalists.
Retained by numerous local, regional, London and Dublin based news publishers operating in Northern Ireland, and a significant number of US-headquartered social media platforms, the team handles the full spectrum of media and content disputes.
Recent defendant work includes acting for Mediahuis UK to successfully resist an emergency injunction application in Matthews v Mediahuis UK, acting for The Daily Telegraph, The Sun and The Daily Mail in Sterritt v Telegraph Media Group & Ors, and acting for a number of US social media platforms in a variety of Northern Irish criminal and civil proceedings.
Whilst selective in its claimant work, the team has also recently secured a public apology, damages and costs from a national union on behalf of a prominent CEO, and public apologies, damages and costs from a number of individuals on behalf of a large UK construction and property company.
Multi-disciplinary Chambers Band 1 ranked Partner Declan Magee, and Defamation and Reputation Management Star Associate, Fergal McGoldrick, are the key team contacts.
Provided by Chambers
Carson McDowell has a superb defamation practice focused on media defence. The firm acts for a number of leading Northern Ireland publications, as well as broadcasters, social media providers, high net worth individuals and politicians. It also provides comprehensive brand management advisory and pre-publication services, and is noted for its work challenging reporting restrictions and anonymity orders.
Provided by Chambers
Carson McDowell acted for the lead applicants, Mediahuis UK Ltd, Mediahuis Ireland Ltd and The Irish News Ltd, in the first successful strike down of an Act of the Northern Irish Assembly, relating to the restrictions around journalists' ability to identify a person suspected of committing a sexual offence.
Provided by Chambers
Their expertise and knowledge is impressive, and the manner that they approach the projects is great. They are very easy to work with.
Carson McDowell has an excellent comprehensive understanding of the law and an outstanding ability to give strategic advice.
A top-tier combination of legal expertise, commercial practicality and client engagement.
Provided by Chambers
Fergal McGoldrick is well regarded for his considerable expertise in advising clients in the media industry on a wide range of matters relating to libel, privacy and data protection. He acts for local and national media companies.
Fergal was extremely professional and responsive.
Fergal's advice gave me great comfort and I felt comfortable that we were in good hands. It was great advice and the matter went well for us.
Hannah Porter advises on heavyweight defamation, privacy and reputation management mandates on behalf of leading media organisations, social media platforms, corporations and private individuals. She is already noted for her advice on pre-broadcast clearance.
Hannah is a rising star, confident and knowledgeable, and provides an outstanding level of service.
Defamation/Reputation Management
Defamation/Reputation Management
Provided by Carson McDowell
Declan Magee
Head of Department
Fergal McGoldrick
View profile of Fergal McGoldrickHannah Porter
View profile of Hannah Porter
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