Independent editorial overview of the leading employment law firms in Belfast, Northern Ireland. This guide highlights practices with expertise in employee and employer representation, workplace disputes, discrimination, redundancy, whistleblowing, contracts, and industrial relations. Interested in a professionally optimised subpage for your firm or as an individual lawyer, plus a trust badge if you haven’t received one? Please get in touch via our contact page.
The following Belfast firms are recognised for their employment law expertise, reputation for client service, and consistent recognition in directories such as Chambers UK and Legal 500. Each entry includes three leading lawyers and one or two authoritative references for transparency.
Top employment lawyers in Belfast
- Arthur Cox Belfast
One of Ireland’s leading corporate law firms with a strong Belfast employment practice advising on contentious and non-contentious matters.
Notable lawyers: Patrick Horan, Orlaith Finnegan, Sarah McAvoy.
Sources: 1
- Carson McDowell LLP Belfast
Top-ranked Northern Irish firm with extensive employment expertise in tribunals, discrimination cases, and corporate restructuring.
Notable lawyers: Orlagh O’Neill, Michelle Crilly, Glenn Edgar.
Sources: 2
- A&L Goodbody Belfast
Internationally recognised firm with a Belfast office providing expert employment advice to multinationals and local businesses alike.
Notable lawyers: Mark Stockdale, Deirdre Moran, Gareth Walls.
Sources: 3
- Millar McCall Wylie Belfast
Respected Belfast firm with a well-established employment team handling contracts, redundancy, and workplace investigations.
Notable lawyers: Paul McBride, Catherine Cooney, Damien McMahon.
Sources: 4
- Tughans Belfast
Commercial firm known for advising both employers and employees on employment litigation, contracts, and collective redundancies.
Notable lawyers: David Jones, Emma Hunt, Andrew Ryan.
Sources: 5
- Cleaver Fulton Rankin Belfast
Highly respected Belfast firm with significant expertise in tribunals, discrimination, whistleblowing, and public sector employment law.
Notable lawyers: Michael Black, Beverley Bradshaw, Emma Rooney.
Sources: 6
- Leonard & McKevitt Belfast
Employment law specialists offering practical advice on redundancy, contracts, unfair dismissal, and workplace discrimination.
Notable lawyers: John Leonard, Peter McKevitt, Louise Byrne.
Sources: 7
- Edwards & Co. Solicitors Belfast
Strong local practice advising on employment disputes, contracts, and negotiation of settlement agreements.
Notable lawyers: Walter Roulston, Michael Graham, Rachel Kelly.
Sources: 8
- McKees Solicitors Belfast
Corporate and commercial firm with an employment practice advising across sectors including banking, retail, and healthcare.
Notable lawyers: Chris Ross, Suzanne Rice, Jonathan Jackson.
Sources: 9
- Worthingtons Solicitors Belfast
Recognised for employment tribunal representation, redundancy, and discrimination cases, acting for both employers and employees.
Notable lawyers: Seamus McGranaghan, Michael Flanigan, Claire McCann.
Sources: 10
Frequently asked questions
What does an employment lawyer do in Belfast
They advise on employment contracts, disputes, workplace investigations, discrimination claims, redundancy, and representation in tribunals.
Do I need a lawyer for an unfair dismissal claim
Yes. A lawyer ensures your claim is properly presented and maximises your chance of achieving compensation or reinstatement.
How long do I have to bring an employment tribunal claim
In Northern Ireland, most employment tribunal claims must be filed within three months less one day of the alleged incident.
Can employment lawyers act for both employers and employees
Yes. Many Belfast firms act for both, while some specialise in one side to avoid conflicts of interest.
What types of disputes are most common in Belfast
Common issues include unfair dismissal, redundancy, workplace discrimination, harassment, whistleblowing, and wage disputes.
Can I negotiate a settlement agreement through a lawyer
Yes. Lawyers ensure settlement agreements are fair and legally binding, often improving compensation terms for clients.
Do Belfast firms advise on contracts for senior executives
Yes. Many leading firms provide contract drafting and negotiation services for executives and senior management roles.
Is mediation common in employment disputes
Yes. Mediation is frequently used to resolve disputes quickly and cost-effectively without going to tribunal.
What industries do Belfast employment lawyers serve
They advise across sectors including public services, education, financial services, healthcare, and technology.
How do I choose the right employment lawyer in Belfast
Look for experience in tribunal advocacy, client recommendations, and recognition in independent directories such as Chambers UK or Legal 500.
Endnotes
- Arthur Cox overview. Source: Arthur Cox.
- Carson McDowell overview. Source: Carson McDowell LLP.
- A&L Goodbody overview. Source: A&L Goodbody.
- Millar McCall Wylie overview. Source: Millar McCall Wylie.
- Tughans overview. Source: Tughans.
- Cleaver Fulton Rankin overview. Source: Cleaver Fulton Rankin.
- Leonard & McKevitt overview. Source: Leonard & McKevitt.
- Edwards & Co overview. Source: Edwards & Co Solicitors.
- McKees overview. Source: McKees Solicitors.
- Worthingtons overview. Source: Worthingtons Solicitors.
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