OUR PEOPLE
Meet the team
Jonathan Burke
Jonathan studied law at Queens University Belfast between 1998-2001 and entered the Institute of Professional Legal Studies, Belfast between 2001 and 2003.In 2008, he obtained an Advanced Advocate Certificate from the Institute of Professional Legal Studies.Jonathan has been a criminal lawyer for more than 20 years incorporating all aspects of the criminal justice system from police station to Magistrates' Court, Crown Court and Court of Appeal cases.Over this time he has gained extensive experience in all areas of criminal law and is known for his attention to detail, success rate and determination to explore every avenue for clients.Jonathan has been a director at McConnell Kelly since 2010.
Jonathan is married with two children and his interests include music (playing the guitar), playing football and running.
Paul McNickle
Paul specialises in all aspects of civil law and is a director of McConnell Kelly. Working out of our Ballyhackamore and Dundonald offices, Paul has significant experience in all aspects of civil litigation and claims, including High Court, County Court and District Court cases. Paul typically deals with road traffic accident cases, tripping cases, criminal injury claims, historical absue claims, industrial injury claims including accident at work, asbestos exposure cases and noise induced hearing loss cases. Paul also deals with Inquests, medical negligence cases, contract law litigation and has significant experience in complex and high value civil cases. Paul has a keen interest in prison and parole cases. Paul has been involved with a number of cases brought to the Supreme Court and has a keen interest in administrative law and judicial review. Paul qualified and was admitted as a solicitor in 2012, after obtaining his law degree in Ulster University and undergraduate degree in Queens University in Belfast.
Mark Austin
Mark is an experienced solicitor and advocate with an abundance of experience in criminal law and judicial review. Mark has a fantastic reputation with clients, colleagues and the judiciary.
Mark specialises in criminal law & judicial review representing clients throughout all stages of the criminal justice system from arrests in the police stations under PACE and Terrorism Act through to the Magistrates’ Court, Crown Court and the Court of Appeal. Mark has acted for clients before all tiers of the judicial system including matters which have gone before the UK Supreme Court.
Mark has a wealth of experience in representing clients in high profile, complex and challenging cases involving fraud, murder, covert surveillance, serious sexual offences, and offences falling under the Terrorism Act. Mark has significant trial experience and has secured many acquittals in these areas. Mark has been involved in many landmark cases which are considered as judicial precedent
Cathy Forsythe
Cathy attended Liverpool University where she attained a 2:1 LLB Hons in law, followed by the legal practice course in Chester. Cathy has been dealing with residential conveyancing matters for over 25 years and enjoys the busy Northern Ireland market. Outside of work Cathy likes to travel, do yoga and enjoy musicals and theatre.
Louise Thrush
Louise specialises in Private Client which includes Wills, the administration of estates, estate disputes and Elder Law. She is an Affiliate Member of STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) which recognises the expertise of professionals who work within the area of Private Client.Having joined McConnell Kelly Solicitors in 2022 Louise has expanded the Private Client practice within the firm and provides comprehensive advice on Wills, estate planning, administration of estates, Enduring Powers of Attorney, Controllerships, Will disputes and claims against estates.Louise has a particular interest in matters relating to Inheritance Tax and has experience in dealing with high net worth estates of individuals during their lifetime and after they have passed away.
Rebecca Lucas
Rebecca graduated from Queens University in 2020. Rebecca has previous work experience in the Royal Courts of Justice in a variety of offices including Kings Bench, Bails, Chancery and Probate. Rebecca also has previous legal experience in a family law firm before moving to McConnell Kelly. Rebecca specialise in Family and Criminal law. Rebecca recently acted in a Hague Convention Case in the High Court, successfully negotiating favourable return conditions on behalf of her client.
Andrew Smyth
James Montgomery
James graduated from the University of Leeds with an honours degree (LLB Law with French) in 2001 and completed his professional training at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies (QUB) to qualify as a solicitor in 2003. He worked in city commercial law firms as well as busy high street firms before joining McConnell Kelly in 2013 where he heads up the Property Department.His work includes all aspects of residential and commercial Conveyancing transactions and newbuild development work. James also has extensive experience in the fields of private client services (Wills and Probate/Administration of Estates, Enduring Power of Attorney and Controllership applications) and liquor licensing.
Essentially James works hard so his dog can have a better life.
Sarah Burke
Sarah obtained her law degree and Certificate of Professional legal studies at Queens University, Belfast. Sarah completed her training with a general practice in Belfast before starting with McConnell Kelly & Co in 2001 as a family and matrimonial solicitor.
Sarah has specialised in this area of law throughout her career and has dealt with many and varied cases in the Family Proceedings Court, Domestic Proceedings Court, Family Care Centre, County Court and High Court in relation to contact, residence and specific issues in private law proceedings; care order and adoption applications in public law proceedings; and divorce and financial settlement resolution in relation to marriage breakdown.
Comprehensive legal expertise focused on Northern Ireland, with a proven track record of success.
A dedicated team of seasoned lawyers committed to achieving the best outcome for your case.
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