Department profile
Carson McDowell

Real Estate

UK Guide 2026 : Northern Ireland

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Carson McDowell

Rankings

About

Provided by Carson McDowell

Carson McDowell has the largest, most experienced real estate team in Northern Ireland. All our long-term partners are ranked by Chambers as leaders in their field, a distinction which no other local firm enjoys. We also benefit from more specialist sub-teams than our competitors, including licensing, planning, construction and property litigation. Thanks to the experience and diverse range of skills within the team we are able to handle large and complex transactions efficiently and speedily.

Our main specialities are:

  • High Level Investment Transactions – the team has been involved in most major transactions within NI in recent years, whether acting for vendor, purchaser or funder
  • Site Assembly & Development Work – we offer a full service from site assembly onwards, drawing on the expertise of our planning and environmental and construction teams to provide a “one stop shop” service
  • Retail Sector – Carson McDowell’s experience in this sector is unrivalled, acting for the landlords of many shopping centres and retail parks and an ever-growing stable of retail tenants
  • Energy Sector - we have some of the most experienced property lawyers involved in the sector, enabling us to service some of the most active energy clients working in the province across AD, biomass, solar, wind and emerging technologies
  • Leisure/Food and Drink and Transport sectors – we act for a wide range of key players in these sectors

Carson McDowell was the Legal 500 Law Firm of the Year in 2014 and 2017.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Real Estate - Northern Ireland

Band 1

What the Team is Known For
Carson McDowell represents a number of blue-chip clients in the full range of property transactions. The team possesses expertise in relation to acquisitions and sales, as well as site assembly and licensing matters, regularly offering expert advice to clients in the energy, transport, retail and leisure sectors. The firm acts for vendors, purchasers and funders on real estate transactions.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Carson McDowell assisted The Queen's University of Belfast with a site acquisition to aid the delivery of the iREACH project.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • There is wide experience and knowledge in the team evidenced by senior staff and skills being transferred and developed by junior team members.

    Real Estate respondentUK

  • Carson McDowell provide us with great expertise and knowledge. They provide strategic advice tailored to our needs and have an in-depth understanding of the law that impacts our business.

    Real Estate respondentUK

  • Carson McDowell have an understanding of difficult and complicated transactions and the ability to come up with solutions.

    Real Estate respondentUK

  • The lawyers have the ability to quickly grasp issues and the ability to provide the necessary assistance and advice.

    Real Estate respondentUK

  • There is a strong team with specialist expertise in a variety of areas.

    Real Estate respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Dawson McConkey
    Dawson McConkey

    Dawson McConkey

    Dawson McConkey heads the firm's real estate department and has a broad commercial practice with a particular focus on investment transactions. He also has specialist expertise in the energy sector and related property matters.

    • Dawson is a fantastic solicitor with an excellent corporate knowledge. He has always been incredibly efficient.

      Real Estate respondentUK

    • Dawson McConkey is able to grasp the task in hand very quickly and he provides a very clear path to the outcome desired.

      Real Estate respondentUK

    • He provides excellent legal advice to us that is both practical and commercially astute, and he never fails to deliver on deadlines.

      Real Estate respondentUK

    • Dawson is a first-class lawyer and an asset to his law firm and consequently ourselves. His desire to deliver for his client stands out.

      Real Estate respondentUK

    • Dawson is particularly excellent and very attentive. He jumps to help us with anything at short notice. He is very bright and commercial and gets things done for us.

      Real Estate respondentUK
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  • Emma Cooper
    Emma Cooper

    Emma Cooper

    Emma Cooper regularly acts for investors and developers on significant acquisitions and site assembly matters. Her clients span both the public and private sectors.

    • Emma Cooper is very astute and knowledgeable in what she does, which gives us confidence she is checking for pitfalls to protect us.

      Real Estate respondentUK

    • Emma provides excellent legal advice and manages complex lease transactions.

      Real Estate respondentUK

    • Emma is highly competent, intelligent and a real people person.

      Real Estate respondentUK
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  • Mary-Kim Doherty
    Mary-Kim Doherty

    Mary-Kim Doherty

    Mary-Kim Doherty has a noteworthy real estate practice and is adept at handling complex acquisitions and disposals. Her client base consists of developers, retailers, landlords and tenants.

    • Mary-Kim Doherty handles all our matters direct and provides us with excellent advice and level of service.

      Real Estate respondentUK
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  • Richard Dickson
    Richard Dickson

    Richard Dickson

    Richard Dickson is noted for his ability to advise clients on developments in the retail sector, as well as advising on both land acquisitions and disposals.

    • Richard is one of the most experienced property lawyers, with exceptional attention to detail and deep technical knowledge.

      Real Estate respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at Carson McDowell (4)

Northern Ireland

Members

Provided by Carson McDowell

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