Donaldson Mcconnell & Co

16/05/2026

Big shout out to our newest top fans! 💎

Linda Kennedy, Gerry Brennan

Drop a comment to welcome them to our community, fans

09/05/2026

I was very pleased to be asked to attend before the Justice Committee this week to give evidence on a topic that not many people other than lawyers would know about - Taxation. Not of the HMRC variety though.

Taxation is a method by which lawyers have their costs independently and judicially assessed by a judge called a Master of the High Court. Myself and Eoghan McKenna were there to answer questions about reform of the system.

One area of particular concern is that of what hourly rate the DOJ are saying would be applicable after proposed reform.

It is currently set by the Taxation Judge but the DOJ want to change that for legal aid work, and to allow the DOJ to set it. To what we don’t know because they did not say either how they would assess nor how often. ( it is of note that only last year did family practitioners in NI receive a 16% increase in some family fees - the first increase since 1996)

My fear? Well no doubt many would say being paid less I suppose and yes that is correct. Anyone who does legal aid work will know that practitioners are not appropriately remunerated. It is well documented.

In this situation though the fear is that the DOJ would reduce payment levels for work that is so important to a level where it would be economically impossible for many smaller, local Solictor firms to continue to do legally aided work.

Work like care work for vulnerable parents, where the risk is that they will have children removed. Work like care work for children, who risk being removed from their parents and placed elsewhere. Work for individuals who are divorcing, and trying to sort their finances out. All work very often for the most vulnerable in society and statistically work that would indirectly discriminate against women more ( divorce and mat work)

Creating a 2 tier system of payment which is what we fear will happen will do nothing to help and assist local people. Legal aid continues to be attacked on all fronts, making access to justice more difficult for all who try to use it.

Being given the opportunity to inform the Justice Committee on Thursday about our fears was certainly worthwhile and essential. They will no doubt take the information provided back to the DOJ where hopefully further debate and discussion will result in a better outcome for us all.

27/04/2026

Another week starts with brighter skies and warmer temperatures but for many still the same problems and issues.

This first 4 months of our year at DMC have seen a massive increase in the numbers of matrimonial clients seeking urgent help and assistance. This year already we have covered injunctions, far too many applications for NMOs and occupation orders, supported far too many victims/survivors through criminal trials and it is relentless.
Whilst there is some reassurance in numbers coming forward looking for help (and I assume it because the spotlight is firmly place on domestic violence and its effect on women and girls), I cannot help but feel that little has been achieved in the first year of the “The Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls” (EVAWG)

I understand that £5million has already been spent - I appreciate as a citizen I would not have access to where and when and how it has been spent. I would however like to know - if anyone can help direct me to the answer?

I have to ask though given the Monday mornings we have experienced this year so far is the message getting through? In some ways I would say yes given the increase in numbers seeking help but with proposals being put forward by DOJ to cut the access to justice in the family court and for divorce and financial remedy I cannot help but think what is given loudly with publicity on the one hand is being quietly removed without fanfare by the other.

24/04/2026

I was delighted to be asked to participate in the discussion at the All Party Group on Tuesday of this week.
Welcomed by Stewart Dickson and in the very fine company of some of the leaders in this area, the discussion was open and frank! What was evident was that all stakeholders hold the same concern.

We just are not doing enough to improve a family’s experience in the Justice system.

It is not enough to wring our hands and complain. We all have a duty to force change.

Our politicians are not listening. They are not doing enough. When they arrive at your front door looking for your vote later this year ask them what they are going to do to improve justice for families and for children because up to this point they have done very little of note.

Explore the pathways to becoming a solicitor, including transfer options for barristers and solicitors, along with the key regulations and oversight involved.

11/04/2026

I would like your help please. I am undertaking some very unscientific and informal research to satisfy a professional curiosity.
Could you answer the question below in the comments please?

Do you know what a non molestation order is?

Y for yes
N for no

Thank you - it would help me greatly.

Janice.

27/03/2026

Seeking to grow our team Donaldson McConnell & Co Ltd seek a full-time legal secretary.

Essential Skills: Audio typing, excellent computer skills, general office skills.

Desirable Skills: Experience in family/matrimonial law, a case management system and the legal aid management system is advantageous but not essential.

Please forward your CV in strictest confidence to

[email protected]

Please feel free to share.

22/03/2026

We remember their 30 names and honour their lives:

RIP Elizabeth (Betty) Dobbin
RIP Natasha Melendez
RIP Emma Jane McParland
RIP Patrycja Wyrebek
RIP Katie Simpson
RIP Susan Baird
RIP Karen McClean
RIP Stacey Knell
RIP Ludmila Poletelova
RIP Katie Brankin
RIP Katrina Rainey
RIP Caoimhe Morgan
RIP Alyson Nelson
RIP Una Noone
RIP Hollie Thomson
RIP Natalie McNally
RIP Alesia Nazarova
RIP Chloe Mitchell
RIP Kathryn (Kat) Parton
RIP Patricia (Patsy) Aust
RIP Sophie Watson
RIP Montserrat Elias
RIP Rachel Simpson
RIP Mary Ward
RIP Karen Cummings
RIP Marie Green
RIP Sarah Montgomery
RIP Vanessa Whyte
RIP Ellie Flanagan
RIP Amy Doherty

Say their names.

21/03/2026

To all those single parents we know, we work for, we work with and we help! Get those kids of yours to do the dishes tonight!

But seriously when you parent alone you do it all. It’s not shared and all of the decisions are yours alone.

Many chose not to parent alone but end up doing so through no fault of their own.

Equally and as importantly many would love to co parent and are prevented from doing so - alienation of parents is real and we see it every day.

We think of those who would love to parent!

14/02/2026

❤️❤️Roses are red,
Violets are (allegedly) blue,
As your legal counsel,
We are always here for you❤️❤️

I hope you don’t mind this wee rhyme for the day that is in it.

Happy Valentines Day - whatever way you are spending it!

07/02/2026

It’s a difficult job, picking a solicitor.

Everyday on FB I read posts from local people asking if someone can recommend a solicitor to:
Advise on a separation
Sell or buy a house
Make a will or Enduring Power of Attorney
Advise on matters about children
Take a claim
Help with an employment issue
Sell a business

And every time a post goes up there are very many recommendations.

It’s fantastic for the legal profession to see this exchange of views, refreshing for many to see the compliments, perhaps depressing for some to hear about their failings.

No matter what though it is so very important to do your due diligence - you are about to trust a solicitor to do something of great importance, something complex and something that will have a future impact for you.

So my advice? Chose carefully.

Listen to the recommendations but go and do the research.

Go to the firms website and read about their business.

Find out who the expert is in the area of help you need.

Check whether they have any client testimonials on their website.

Then look at their reviews on google or something similar.

See what their clients both past and present are saying about the work they did for them. Indeed you might recognise some of the people giving reviews, giving you confidence in their ability.

Finally then if you can seek personal recommendations. If you are happy to share with friends or family that you need a certain type of help, find out who they used. Friends will always know of someone who has recommended a solicitor in the past.

Most of my work comes through personal recommendations and from those who already know someone who knows me. It makes such a difference and clients in this position, while often anxious about their first meeting, have a certain confidence in my ability already, making the meeting easier.

So what’s the take away?
Certainly put up the post, certainly read the advice but go further and do your due diligence!