Madden & Finucane Solicitors
Law Firm in Belfast, County Antrim
Established in 1979 in Belfast by Peter Madden and Pat Finucane, Madden & Finucane Solicitors has grown into a practice recognised for excellence in legal representation at both a national and international level. From the outset, our work has been driven by a clear commitment to safeguarding individual rights. We draw upon extensive experience across multiple areas of law, ensuring that our clients receive a professional, thorough and dependable service. For over four decades, our firm has been closely associated with Human Rights advocacy and Criminal Law, fields in which we have developed a strong and enduring reputation.Our work includes the defence of individuals in criminal cases, representation of those detained or questioned by police, and the pursuit of challenges against discriminatory or unjust actions by the State. We have played a role in a number of high-profile cases before the European Court of Human Rights and in Judicial Review proceedings. In addition, we offer legal services in family law, personal injury claims, civil litigation, defamation, professional negligence and conveyancing. We place strong emphasis on providing practical, cost-effective advice and offer free initial consultations. Through ongoing investment in modern information technology and a forward-looking IT department, we continue to deliver efficient services and support access to justice, including the provision of legal aid funding.
Business Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights & Specialties
- 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
Social Profiles
Contact Details
Products & Services
Human Rights & Public Law
read moreSince 1979, our solicitors have been at the forefront of human rights and public law advocacy. We advise and represent individuals in matters concerning civil liberties, public decision-making and statutory rights. Particular priority is given to protecting vulnerable groups, ensuring their rights under domestic and European human rights law are upheld.Personal Injury
read moreOur personal injury service is dedicated to securing compensation for those harmed through negligence or wrongdoing. With decades of experience, we guide clients through every stage of the claims process with professionalism and care. We focus on practical solutions, robust legal strategy, and consistent communication to protect our clients interests.Civil Litigation
read moreAt Madden & Finucane, we deliver focused and effective civil litigation services for individuals and businesses. Drawing on decades of experience, we provide clear, practical guidance supported by strong advocacy throughout proceedings. Our work spans contractual disputes, property matters, professional negligence, defamation, and contested probate, with particular strength in complex, multidisciplinary cases.Criminal Law
read moreWe provide a proactive criminal defence service within an adversarial justice system, acting decisively to protect our clients rights at every stage. From police investigations through to appellate courts, we prepare each case meticulously. We assess the legality of arrests and prosecutions, consider alternatives to charge, and pursue every available defence to secure the best outcome.Matrimonial & Family Law
read moreOur matrimonial and family law service is grounded in extensive experience and a deep understanding of complex family issues. We recognise the personal and practical difficulties our clients face and respond with considered, compassionate legal support. By offering bespoke advice across a wide range of family matters, we aim to secure fair and effective outcomes.Conveyancing
read moreWe deliver a dependable and competitively priced conveyancing service for clients purchasing, selling or re-mortgaging property. Our accredited team, approved by all major lender panels, provides informed guidance throughout each transaction. We prioritise clear communication and proactive case management to ensure the process remains efficient, transparent and as straightforward as possible from instruction through to completion.Wills, Trusts & Probate
read moreOur team provides tailored support across wills, trusts and probate, helping clients plan confidently for the future. We ensure that every will is clearly structured and legally robust. With careful advice on trusts, taxation and estate administration, together with secure document storage, we safeguard your wishes and promote certainty for those close to you.Reviews Write a Review
O. W.
Jul 28, 2025
Madden & Finucane were extremely helpful. Lynn Day in particular helped us and worked in a speedy and efficient manner, while guiding us with sound advice. I felt reassured to have their assistance and am very pleased with the results. Thanks to Madden & Finucane.
Damian Veale
Oct 02, 2024
Really good... my barrister was excellent... i had to change my legal team from steele and McCoy.... old school looked after me... thank you
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
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
Superb service from start to finish compassion professionalism panache they made me feel A1,very clever tactics,knowledge,no-show smooth professionalism
Stephen Graham
Jul 14, 2021
Brilliant thanks
Anne Christie
Jun 14, 2019
Great firm of legal minds
Erika Kiely
Apr 12, 2019
Michael Halleron represented my brother recently absolutely outstanding the work they put into their clients and really make time to listen and put the work into their cases unlike the solicitors we were used of in limerick. Couldnt thank them enough 5star service
Sammy Whiteside
Jan 19, 2018
Helped me a lot but sometimes they are a bit slow but I know it's not there fault and when they say they will ring you back they usually don't
Key People
Peter Madden
Founding Partnerread morePeter 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 Partnerread morePatrick 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.