Madden & Finucane Solicitors was set up in Belfast in 1979 by Peter Madden and Pat Finucane. The firm has built a reputation, both locally and internationally, for delivering exceptional and dedicated legal services. At the core of the firm's ethos is the protection of individual rights. With extensive experience in various legal areas, the firm strives to provide high-quality and professional services to its clients. For over four decades, the firm has established an international reputation for its work in Human Rights and Criminal Law.The firm has gained a strong reputation for excellence and expertise in representing defendants in criminal cases, individuals arrested by the police, and challenging state inequality and unfairness. It has been involved in many prominent challenges to the state in the European Court of Human Rights and Judicial Reviews. The firm offers a wide range of legal services, including family law, personal injury, litigation, defamation, professional negligence, and conveyancing. It has a strong ethos of cost-effective advice and provides initial consultations at no charge.
Firm founder Peter Madden has led Madden & Finucane into the digital age by incorporating advanced information technology into the office.
The firm's IT department has enabled Madden & Finucane to stay cutting-edge and ahead of the competition. This ensures the firm can continue to pursue Human Rights cases and provide a range of quality services to clients.
Madden & Finucane provides funding for legal aid to help individuals protect their basic rights and access the court process to resolve disputes and address problems contributing to social exclusion.
Business details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- Leading Belfast solicitors delivering clear, effective legal advice
- Ranked number one firm by Chambers and Partners
- Lexcel accredited for excellence in legal practice management
- Largest human rights and criminal defence practice accredited
- Trusted representation across diverse legal services since 1979
Payment methods
- Cash
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Services
Protecting individual rights lies at the core of our practice. Since our establishment in 1979, we have built an international reputation for successfully challenging inequality and unfair treatment by the State. Our experienced solicitors provide robust legal support across civil liberties and human rights, with a strong commitment to safeguarding vulnerable members of society. 
Our firm offers trusted personal injury legal services for individuals entitled to claim compensation following an accident or injury. We combine extensive litigation experience with a structured, supportive approach to each matter. Our objective is to deliver high-quality legal advice while ensuring clarity, reassurance, and effective outcomes for every client. 
At Madden & Finucane, we manage civil litigation matters with professionalism, discretion, and determination. Our solicitors represent individuals and businesses in disputes covering contracts, property, negligence, defamation, and probate. We regularly handle cases involving regulatory and reputational issues, combining practical advice with robust advocacy to achieve outcomes aligned with our clients objectives. 
As defence solicitors, we actively safeguard our clients interests throughout the criminal process. We represent individuals at police stations and before all levels of court, applying detailed legal knowledge to each case. By reassessing matters from the outset, we challenge unlawful procedures, identify appropriate alternatives, and advance comprehensive defences with professionalism. 
At Madden & Finucane, our family law team is committed to guiding clients through difficult legal processes with confidence and discretion. We handle complex family matters with strategic focus and empathy. By providing clear, personalised advice, we work diligently to protect our clients positions and achieve the best possible resolution. 
We provide comprehensive conveyancing services for residential and commercial property transactions, combining efficiency with careful attention to detail. Our experienced solicitors handle purchases, sales and re-mortgages with a structured, client-focused approach. By offering clear guidance and regular updates, we aim to deliver reassurance and ensure each transaction progresses smoothly from outset to final completion. 
We assist clients with the full range of wills, trusts and probate services, combining legal expertise with a considered and discreet approach. Each will is drafted following a detailed understanding of your personal and financial position. We also advise on trusts, inheritance tax and estate administration, ensuring your affairs are managed responsibly and securely.
People
Peter Madden
Founding Partner
Peter Madden founded the firm with Pat Finucane in 1979. In the ten years that they practiced law the firm developed a strong reputation for its work in Human Rights cases at all levels.
On 11th September 2024, after a 35 year long legal fight, the British Secretary of State Hilary Benn announced in the House of Commons:
that I have decided to establish an independent inquiry into the death of Patrick Finucane under the 2005 Inquiries Act.
Peter was nominated as Human Rights Lawyer of the Year in 2000 by Liberty/Justice. He is a former member of the Law Society Council and previously chaired its Criminal Law Committee.
Peter headed up the legal team during the Bloody Sunday Inquiry between 1998 and 2004 where Madden & Finucane represented the majority of the deceased and wounded on Bloody Sunday and represented the families in their pursuit of fair and reasonable compensation.
On 11th September 2024, after a 35 year long legal fight, the British Secretary of State Hilary Benn announced in the House of Commons:
that I have decided to establish an independent inquiry into the death of Patrick Finucane under the 2005 Inquiries Act.
Peter was nominated as Human Rights Lawyer of the Year in 2000 by Liberty/Justice. He is a former member of the Law Society Council and previously chaired its Criminal Law Committee.
Peter headed up the legal team during the Bloody Sunday Inquiry between 1998 and 2004 where Madden & Finucane represented the majority of the deceased and wounded on Bloody Sunday and represented the families in their pursuit of fair and reasonable compensation.
Pat Finucane
Founding Partner
Patrick Finucane founded the firm with Peter Madden in 1979. He was a successful and respected Belfast solicitor who had successfully challenged the British Government over several important human rights cases.
He was murdered by a pro-British death squad on 12 February 1989. Those directly involved in his murder were working for British Military Intelligence.
Patrick Finucane, a prominent human rights lawyer, was shot dead in front of his wife and young children as they sat down to Sunday dinner on 12 February 1989.
During the 23 years since, conclusive evidence has shown that both the British Army and the Royal Ulster Constabulary had highly placed agents in the loyalist paramilitary group that carried out the murder.
Human rights NGOs and others who have investigated the killing believe the only reasonable conclusion is that very senior British officials must have had foreknowledge that this murder was to take place.
He was murdered by a pro-British death squad on 12 February 1989. Those directly involved in his murder were working for British Military Intelligence.
Patrick Finucane, a prominent human rights lawyer, was shot dead in front of his wife and young children as they sat down to Sunday dinner on 12 February 1989.
During the 23 years since, conclusive evidence has shown that both the British Army and the Royal Ulster Constabulary had highly placed agents in the loyalist paramilitary group that carried out the murder.
Human rights NGOs and others who have investigated the killing believe the only reasonable conclusion is that very senior British officials must have had foreknowledge that this murder was to take place.
Reviews (9)
A. K.
Jan 27, 2026
Ronan Mac
Nov 25, 2024
The staff at Madden and Finucane are exceptionally nice and easy to get in touch with. They always listened to my side of the story and provided a great relief during my time of need. Whenever I was in a vulnerable situation, they were sympathetic and supportive, making sure I could reach out to them when it mattered most. Madden and finucane would be your best choice for anything in general. They are a group of highly professional, approachable solicitors who are always ready to help.
Sarahlouise Linton
Jun 28, 2024
Vb
Oct 19, 2023
Top marks from this Solicitors, really went above and beyond in helping me with my case, Claire Loughran and all the team of staff were absolutely flawless from beginning to end. All issues handled swiftly, confidentiality and professionalism held to the highest standards. Would highly recommend. Many Thanks
Alanna Rowan
Oct 09, 2023
Will McCracken
Jan 02, 2023
Came here late in my case after having been thrown to wall from a previous solicitor (Jarlath feilds). They did everything they could to undo the damage he had already cause and it was no hassle to them. Top quality solicitors who where happy to go above and beyond for me. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Madden and Finucane to anyone who needs them.
Lily White
Sep 27, 2021
Emmett F.
Apr 24, 2019
Erika Kiely
Apr 12, 2019