Belfast-based Carson McDowell has announced the first three of a tranche of upcoming solicitor appointments.

Cathal O’Neill has joined the firm’s defence insurance litigation team as an associate, while Andrew Edwards has joined the firm’s employment team as an assistant solicitor and Peter Lamont has joined the firm’s commercial team as a solicitor.

Mr O’Neill practised in the litigation team of a leading Belfast firm. He specialises in the defence of employers’ liability and public liability claims in the High Court and County Court, with expertise in industrial disease claims, defending fraudulent claims and recovery actions.

Mr Edwards advises employer clients on all aspects of employment law, including defending claims in the Industrial Tribunals and Fair Employment Tribunal. Andrew is a member of the Employment Lawyers Group for Northern Ireland and the Employment Lawyers Association of England and Wales.

Mr Lamont completed his professional qualification at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies (IPLS), being admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in September 2017. He specialises in a full range of commercial matters, including general commercial contracts, intellectual property and technology, partnership and general corporate matters.