Barrister Profile

Main Areas of Practice

Coroners or Inquests
Extradition
Mediation or Alternative Dispute Resolution
Personal Injury

Biography

I have given a series of talks to local solicitors’ associations throughout Northern Ireland to promote the Bar Mediation Service.

I am a member of the Advocacy Training Board, having been involved in the training of newly called barristers in advocacy skills since 1999.

I have trained as an advanced advocate and am currently involved in developing advanced advocacy courses for the Bar in general.

I was appointed to the panel of Coroner’s Counsel, the Special Advocate Panel by the Advocate General for Northern Ireland and the Government ‘A’ Panel.

Experience

I have appeared recently in several controversial inquests including a legacy case in which the State is challenging the decision of the Coroner to issue a ‘gist’ of material that will not be disclosed. The CA dismissed the judicial review proceedings and SoSNI is applying to the Supreme Court for leave.

Since 2004 in extradition I have acted for EU issuing judicial authorities and non-EU states having appeared in most of the leading cases before the Divisional Court.

I am a mediator and have mediated in cases in the areas of defamation, employment, commercial and land disputes, where resolution has been achieved.