Davidson McDonnell marks major expansion of Belfast disputes team with new senior hire
Leading full service law firm Davidson McDonnell has appointed Kirsten Magee, left, as a Legal Director within its Disputes Resolution Team, further strengthening its capabilities and expertise following a period of significant expansion. She is pictured with Davidson McDonnell Director Barbara Creed.
Appointment of Kirsten Magee underlines a period of strong growth in instructions, industry recognition and scale
Leading full service law firm Davidson McDonnell has appointed Kirsten Magee as a Legal Director within its Disputes Resolution Team, further strengthening its capabilities and expertise following a period of significant expansion.
Kirsten Magee is an expert commercial litigator with a background in advising both private and public sector clients on a wide range of complex, high value disputes. Ms Magee has particular expertise in IP, health and safety investigations, breach of contract negligence claims and judicial reviews.
Commercial litigation and dispute resolution is a key practice area at Davidson McDonnell and demand for its expertise has helped to propel the award-winning team’s growth since the appointment of Director Barbara Creed in 2021. The litigation team now stands at 13, which includes an additional four appointments made last year.
Recognised as a top performer within The Legal 500 and ranked by Chambers and Partners for both Litigation and IP, Kirsten joins fellow Legal Director Victoria Sterritt, who specialises in Matrimonial Disputes, as part of Barbara’s team.
Welcoming the appointment, Davidson McDonnell Director Barbara Creed, said:
“I’m delighted to welcome Kirsten to our team at a time of particularly strong growth and an increase in instructions in our key areas of trade, commercial, insolvency and matrimonial cases for local, national and international clients. Kirsten’s arrival materially increases our capacity and strength-in-depth and will add to our highly experienced, 13-strong, team, all of whom are focused on delivering the very best advice and quality of service for our growing portfolio of corporate and high net worth clients.”
The Dispute Resolution Team also enjoys strong cross-departmental collaboration, drawing on the company’s award-winning expertise from Corporate, Banking, Commercial Property and Private Client.
The Belfast-based firm, which was established by Ross Davidson in 2015 and quickly accompanied by David McDonnell, both Commercial Property experts, has grown rapidly to become one of the region’s best-known full service legal specialists. With a staff complement approaching 50, many of its solicitors are qualified to practise in England and Wales, as well as Northern Ireland. It opened a new office in the City of London in 2024.
Alongside Creed, Davidson McDonnell's senior team also includes corporate specialists Vicky Dummigan and Raymond Duddy.
In the disputes Team, Barbara Creed, Victoria Sterritt, Kirsten Magee, Rachael McKee, Shane McVeigh and Elise Quigley are all recognised for their experience and expertise by trusted industry publications, and are well supported by up and coming solicitors and experienced legal executives within the department.
Last year, Shane McVeigh was promoted to Counsel and Conor Wilson joined as a solicitor within the Disputes Resolution Team. Darragh Armstrong joined as a trainee solicitor and James Rafferty joined as a degree apprentice from Ulster University.
Barbara Creed added:
“With a focus on client care and expert management of cases, we have proven that hard work and commitment deliver results and we’re proud of the recognition we receive within the industry and the positive testimonials we routinely receive from our clients.
“As one of Northern Ireland’s leading full service legal firms, grounded in excellence, we pride ourselves on the range of services we offer and the collaboration enjoyed across our teams.”
Davidson McDonnell is recognised for its commitment to fostering gender equality in a business where more than 70 per cent of staff are female.