Business Details
Trusted Legal Services in Belfast
McConnell Kelly is a Belfast-based law firm with nearly 50 years of legal expertise serving communities across Northern Ireland. Specialising in conveyancing, criminal defence, family law, and litigation, we combine deep local knowledge with a commitment to securing optimal outcomes for clients. Our approach blends professional rigour with compassionate support, ensuring clients receive tailored legal solutions aligned with their unique circumstances. With offices in Dundonald, Ballyhackamore, and Bangor, we pride ourselves on being approachable, trusted advocates dedicated to delivering justice and resolution in every case. 
Services
Estate Planning
Conveyancing
Criminal Law
Family Law
Litigation
Highlights and features
- We have nearly 50 years of legal experience serving Northern Ireland communities.
- Our team combines local knowledge with expertise in criminal, family, and property law.
- We offer tailored solutions with a focus on compassionate, client-centred representation.
- Our solicitors appear in courts across Northern Ireland from Belfast to Omagh.
- We maintain a proven track record of successful outcomes in complex legal cases.
Services
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services ensure seamless asset transfer through tailored wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. We help clients protect family wealth, plan for dependents, and create legacy solutions while addressing inheritance tax considerations. With compassionate guidance, we make complex legal processes accessible and stress-free for Northern Ireland residents.
Conveyancing
We handle residential and commercial property transactions with transparency and precision. Our conveyancing services cover contract drafting, title searches, and dispute resolution, ensuring legally compliant transfers. Clients benefit from dedicated support throughout the process, whether buying their first home or managing commercial real estate portfolios across Northern Ireland.
Criminal Law
With decades of experience in Northern Ireland's courts, our criminal law team provides robust defence strategies for all case types. We combine legal expertise with local political and community understanding to deliver effective representation, offering reassurance and clear guidance during challenging times for individuals facing prosecution.
Family Law
We specialise in family law matters including divorce proceedings, child custody arrangements, and financial settlements. Our solicitors provide sensitive support for relationship breakdowns, with access to senior counsel and forensic accountants to ensure comprehensive solutions tailored to each family's unique circumstances.
Litigation
Our litigation team handles civil and commercial disputes with strategic precision, whether through negotiation, mediation, or courtroom representation. We focus on protecting client interests in contract disputes, property matters, and business conflicts while minimising the emotional and financial impact of legal proceedings.
People
Patrick Kelly
Co-Founder and Director
With nearly 50 years of legal experience, Patrick co-founded McConnell Kelly and established its reputation for excellence in Northern Ireland law. He specialises in family law and strategic legal development.
Louise Thrush
Solicitor
Specialising in estate planning and probate, Louise provides expert guidance on will creation, inheritance tax planning, and trust establishment for individuals and families across Belfast.
Cathy Forsythe
Solicitor
Cathy leads our conveyancing department, managing residential and commercial property transactions with a focus on transparency and timely completion for clients in Belfast and Bangor.
Jonathan Burke
Director
A specialist in criminal law with decades of courtroom experience, Jonathan develops robust defence strategies while maintaining deep community connections to support Northern Ireland clients.
Sarah Burke
Solicitor
Sarah focuses on family law matters, providing compassionate support for divorce proceedings, child custody arrangements, and financial settlements while prioritising client well-being.
Questions
What areas of law does McConnell Kelly specialise in?
We specialise in conveyancing, criminal law, family law, estate planning, and litigation, with decades of experience serving Northern Ireland clients.
Do you offer free initial consultations?
Yes, all initial queries and consultations are free of charge with no obligation, handled sensitively by our experienced legal team.
What makes McConnell Kelly different from other law firms?
Our unique combination of local knowledge, decades of experience, and client-centred approach ensures tailored legal solutions with compassionate support.
Do you handle cases outside Belfast?
Yes, we serve clients across Northern Ireland with offices in Belfast, Bangor, and Dundonald, and court representation from Dungannon to Coleraine.
Reviews (5)
Helen Earley
Mar 03, 2022
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I would highly recommend this firm! Fergus was fabulous dealing with wills and probate and Cathy Forsythe has been a veritable superstar dealing with complex conveyancing issues. The service provided to us has been efficient, personable and professional, and it is very clear that both Fergus and Cathy have a wealth of knowledge and experience to bring to any legal situation. Just as impressive for me was their patience and skill in helping us to understand the various legal issues and processes (and this can't have been an easy task!) All in all it was a real pleasure working with them. Thank you very, very much.
Mark R.
Aug 27, 2021
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Mark Austin is class! What he said, he reach. And you are not talking to "robot" telling you milion words which no one understand. You can, and in your own interrest you should, be totaly honest with him. If he knows truth he can better help. "HE IS NOT HERE TO JUDGE YOU, HE IS HERE TO HELP YOU"! If you need profi lawyer, you are not smart if you dont contact him! And untill you do that, just 2 words should be existing for you. Its "NO" and "COMMENt"! JUST THESE TWO! :- Thanks a milion Mark!
Aaron M.
Aug 27, 2020
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Complete and utter disgrace sarah Burke is a money graber aswel as Johnny burke letting a case go for 8 months and done nothing at all. DO NOT USE THEM.had to give 1 star as can't give none. Aaron McIlwrath
M. R.
Jun 09, 2020
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Excellent service, Paul, Patrick and Jonathan are very very friendly and extremely helpfull. Recommend especially for foreigners, as they talk to you in the understandable way. Highly, very highly recommended!
Jason Mcgarvey
Jun 04, 2019
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Very helpful and very friendly people goes out of there way to help and put you in the right direction
