Phoenix Law Human Rights Lawyers

01/06/2026

A civil claim brought against the PSNI has concluded following a settlement in proceedings alleging unlawful arrest and detention of our client in Lurgan. Our client who was on bail at the time of detention was mistakenly arrested by PSNI.

Following his unlawful arrest our client issued County Court proceedings alleging assault, trespass and false imprisonment . At the time the PSNI believed that the client was prohibited from being within the Lurgan area under the terms of his bail conditions.

Following his arrest and detention, police subsequently accepted that an error had been made and that the claimant was given damages.

Millie Clancy of Phoenix Law said,

“We welcome the quick resolution of the PSNI in paying damages to our client who was in fact permitted to be in the Lurgan area at the time of his unlawful detention. Our client is happy with the outcome and the award of the damages paid.”

A civil claim brought against the PSNI has concluded following a settlement in proceedings alleging unlawful arrest and detention of our client in Lurgan. Our client who was on bail at the time of detention was mistakenly arrested by PSNI. Following his unlawful arrest our client issued County Court...

28/05/2026

21/05/2026

Victoria Haddock, a solicitor at Phoenix Law, said it was deeply concerning that legal action was required to secure a lawful review into serious incidents involving vulnerable adults, particularly given the heightened scrutiny around adult safeguarding in the wake of the Muckamore Abbey Hospital Inquiry.
"The outcome achieved is significant as the previous case law limited the ability of families and patients to challenge the legality of SAI reviews through the courts," she said.
"This case signals a shift by demonstrating that SAI reviews are not beyond legal scrutiny and can be successfully challenged.
"This case sends a clear message that families cannot be shut out from investigations into the care of their loved ones."

A woman whose daughter was treated at two facilities, including Muckamore Abbey Hospital, says she feels lessons haven't been learned.

14/05/2026

Sophie McClintock, Senior Associate at Phoenix Law Solicitors, said:

“We welcome the acquittal of our client, Symone Murphy, following lengthy Crown Court proceedings. Ms Murphy should never have been prosecuted. She has endured a long and distressing trial process in circumstances where the case against her was weak and fundamentally flawed.

The charge itself, under section 38B of the Terrorism Act 2000, is a controversial and rarely used offence, and has been the subject of longstanding criticism on civil liberties grounds.

There was simply no evidence capable of justifying this prosecution. Ms Murphy has always maintained her innocence, and her acquittal finally vindicates her. This is a welcome and just outcome which clears her name.”

11/05/2026

09/05/2026

Troubles victims to take the Legacy act case to the European Court.

07/05/2026

Reaction to today’s Supreme court ruling

18/04/2026

What a fantastic evening at the annual QUB Women in Law Networking Event!

We are incredibly grateful to our keynote speaker,
Claire McKeegan (Phoenix Law (Human Rights Lawyers) ), whose powerful and engaging address set the tone for the evening. Her insights and honesty were truly inspiring and resonated with everyone in attendance.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to our distinguished panel guests, Lady Chief Justice of Northern Ireland, Dame Siobhan Keegan, and Madam Justice Denise McBride. We are deeply appreciative of the time they gave, and of the thoughtful, candid, and insightful contributions they made throughout the discussion. It was a privilege to hear their perspectives and to learn from their remarkable careers in the legal profession.

The success of the event is a testament to the dedication and generosity of the legal professionals who attended and connected with students. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to making the evening such a success, it was wonderful to see so many meaningful conversations and connections within the Women in Law community.

We would also like to thank all the students who attended. Special appreciation goes to our dedicated committee for their hard work behind the scenes, as well as to the Queen's University Belfast - School of Law faculty for their continued support in organising and promoting the event.

We are also very grateful to the Queen's University Symphony Orchestra for their wonderful performance, which added such a unique and elegant touch to the evening.

Our co-chairs, Rachel McClure and Eva Kelly were delighted to continue the legacy of this annual networking event, and we look forward to building on its success in the year ahead.
Thank you again to everyone involved!

14/04/2026

“We are hiring!
Please send your CV to [email protected]”

10/04/2026

'Families have waited too long'

Our Darragh Mackin who represents some of the families, told reporters at the Department of Justice that "the minister has now confirmed unequivocally to these families, that he will consider holding an inquest, with a senior judge or the senior coroner, something similar to Stardust".

"The ball is now in the minister's court. These families have waited too long for a decision, for an independent investigation."
He said there is "absolutely no prohibition" on preparations beginning for an inquest "now".

"The reality is, two years ago, these families asked for an independent investigation. We are still waiting for a decision," said Mackin.

The explosion at a service station in Creeslough, County Donegal, on 7 October 2022 killed ten people.