Conal McGarrity

Conal McGarrity is the Managing Director of P.A. Duffy & Co Solicitors, with overall responsibility for the firm’s strategic direction, operational leadership and client engagement. He plays a central role in representing the firm at senior level and is closely involved in advising clients on complex, high‑value and high‑profile legal matters across multiple jurisdictions.

Conal qualified as a solicitor in 2014, having graduated from Queen’s University Belfast, where he was awarded the Lord Chief Justice’s Prize in recognition of outstanding academic achievement. In 2017, he became the youngest legal director in Ireland, reflecting both his exceptional ability and rapid progression within the profession.

He practises in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and is recognised for his expertise in human rights, dispute resolution, medical negligence, fraud and financial crime. Conal is regularly instructed in some of the most serious, complex and high‑profile cases across both jurisdictions. He currently represents clients in proceedings before the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg, the Supreme Court in London and the Special Criminal Court in Dublin, demonstrating the depth and breadth of his experience at the highest judicial levels.

Alongside his practice, Conal contributes to legal education as a tutor at Queen’s University Belfast, teaching in the areas of public law and medical negligence, further reinforcing his reputation as a leading practitioner in these disciplines.

Conal is also extensively engaged in public law challenges against State authorities in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, particularly in relation to failures to establish Public Inquiries into the handling of the Covid‑19 pandemic. He is the Recognised Legal Representative for NI Covid Bereaved Families for Justice in the UK Covid‑19 Public Inquiry, which is proceeding in London.

Beyond his professional career, Conal has demonstrated strong leadership and commitment through sport. He represented County Tyrone at minor level, winning an Ulster Championship medal and also won McRory Cup and Hogan Cup medals with St Patrick’s Academy, Dungannon, achievements that reflect discipline, teamwork and resilience.