LAWYER PROFILE

Orlagh O'Neill

UK 2026

Carson McDowell

Ranked in 2 practice areas

Employment

Northern Ireland

23 years ranked

Education: Institutions

Northern Ireland

7 years ranked

Contributions and articles

2 Articles, Press releases, highlights

About

Provided by Carson McDowell

UK

Practice Areas

Orlagh is Managing Partner at Carson McDowell and heads the Employment team, which is an employer-focused team representing a diverse client base including Ulster University, Royal Mail Group, Translink, Belfast Harbour Commissioners, and Phoenix Natural Gas. She is also involved in the firm’s education and charity law practice.

Career

Orlagh completed her professional training as a Solicitor with Carson McDowell in 1998. Since qualification, Orlagh has specialised in employment law and has advised some of Northern Ireland’s largest and best known employers. Orlagh became a Partner at Carson McDowell in 2009.

Professional Memberships

Orlagh is Chair of the Employment Lawyers Group of Northern Ireland, a member of both the UK and Irish Employment Law Groups (ELA and ELAI) and a regular speaker at annual employment law and education law update conferences. Orlagh also sits on the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commercial Council.

Personal

Orlagh graduated from Queen’s University, Belfast in 1995 with an honours degree in Law.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession

Employment - Northern Ireland

Band 1

Individual Editorial

Orlagh O'Neill heads the employment department at Carson McDowell. She stands out for her work on employment disputes and regularly assists clients with unfair dismissal and discrimination claims.

View ranking table

Education: Institutions - Northern Ireland

Band 1

Individual Editorial

Orlagh O'Neill leads Carson McDowell's education department and is noted for her ability in contentious matters, including discrimination claims and disputes involving the discipline of students. As head of the firm's employment team, she is particularly adept at handling employment matters on behalf of higher education institutions and governing bodies.

Learn more about this team View ranking table

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Orlagh has excellent business partnering and employment law skills, and she understands the culture of our business and our commercial decisions. Her knowledge and skill set are fantastic.
EmploymentChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
Orlagh is a very smart lawyer who provides excellent and pragmatic advice.
EmploymentChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
Orlagh provides excellent legal support on complex matters.
Education: InstitutionsChambers Guide to the Legal Profession