Patrick Mullarkey has joined Belfast firm O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors as a clinical negligence partner, the firm has announced.

Mr Mullarkey, who has successfully brought civil actions in medical cases of negligence on behalf of patients against both Trusts and doctors, leaves BLM after 22 years to take up the new role.

Joe Moore, managing director, said: “As a Chambers and Partners Band 1 ranked clinical negligence lawyer, one of the leaders in his field, we are immensely proud to welcome Paddy Mullarkey to O’Reilly Stewart. It is a hugely significant appointment for the firm.

“Paddy has a wealth of experience in providing advice to patients, specialising in cases of the utmost severity including cerebral palsy, quadriplegia and brain damage.

“We are very much looking forward to Paddy’s contribution to what is already one of the most capable and talented clinical negligence teams in Northern Ireland.”

Mr Mullarkey added: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors and I am very excited about further developing the firm’s already excellent healthcare offering.

“I believe that we now offer, to our established and prospective clients, an unrivalled depth of experience and ‘know-how’ in all matters touching upon the public’s interaction with healthcare services, from litigation and coronial Inquests, to professional regulation and alternative dispute resolution/mediation.”