The appointment of Sarah Cochrane as a partner in the employment team, Cathal O’Neill as a partner in the defence insurance division and Francesca Lowry as a healthcare partner brings the firm’s senior team to 34 partners.

Ms Lowry joined Carson McDowell as an apprentice in 2003, becoming part of the healthcare team upon qualification in 2005. She is highly regarded in the healthcare sector, particularly in defending claims on behalf of dentists, pharmacists, doctors and nursing homes, and representing clients at inquests.

Ms Cochrane joined the employment team in 2012. She has contributed significantly to the team’s growth as well as working closely with other departments within the firm, leading on the employment law aspects of key transactions.

Mr O’Neill joined the defence insurance team in 2017 and since then has used his existing significant experience handling a range of public and employers’ liability cases, with a particular proficiency in industrial disease claims.

The new senior associates are Aisling O’Hare, Andrew Davison, Anna Haines-Smyth, Enya McKenna, Faye Phillips, Fergal McGoldrick, Gillian Greenfield, Helen Cosgrove, Laura McKee, Le-ann Campbell, Niamh Magee, Orla Kelly, Rosie Timoney and Yvonne McMahon.

Roger McMillan, managing partner at Carson McDowell, said: “I would like to congratulate Francesca, Sarah and Cathal, who I know will each, through their contributions, add significant value to our market-leading team.

“As well as a reputation for excellence, Carson McDowell has a strong track record of hiring and developing the best talent. We want to retain that talent as we look to the future and are committed to continued investment in our people and their wellbeing to ensure the firm remains a great place to work.”

Neasa Quigley, senior partner, added: “I would like to add my congratulations to our new partners and to the 14 individuals who have been rewarded for their hard work by being promoted to senior associate within the firm, as we remain focused on delivering for our clients and helping them to take advantage of opportunities for growth.

“Our law firm is made up of a diverse range of talent and we are continuing to invest in our people at all levels to ensure we offer our clients a wider variety of expertise than any other law firm of our size.”