Madden & Finucane Solicitors was founded in Belfast in 1979 by Peter Madden and Pat Finucane. Since our establishment, we have built a reputation of both local and international distinction through the delivery of committed and high-quality legal services. Protecting the rights of the individual lies at the core of our professional values and continues to guide our work. Our practice encompasses a broad range of legal disciplines, allowing us to offer a comprehensive, rigorous and client-focused service. Over more than forty years, we have become widely recognised for our work in Human Rights and Criminal Law, areas in which we have demonstrated sustained expertise and dedication.
We are particularly well regarded for representing defendants in criminal proceedings, advising individuals arrested by the police, and challenging unfairness and inequality arising from the actions of the State. Our experience includes involvement in numerous significant cases before the European Court of Human Rights and through Judicial Review proceedings. Alongside this work, we provide services in family law, personal injury, litigation, defamation, professional negligence and conveyancing. We are committed to delivering cost-effective legal advice and offer initial consultations free of charge. By investing in advanced information technology, our firm continues to operate efficiently and effectively, enabling us to pursue Human Rights cases domestically and internationally while supporting access to justice through legal aid funding.
- Year established: 1979
- 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
- Cash
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Our firm is firmly committed to the defence of civil liberties and fundamental human rights. With decades of experience, we act for individuals in matters involving the Human Rights Act 1998, data protection and freedom of information. We are dedicated to holding public authorities to account while ensuring effective protection for those most at risk. 
We provide comprehensive legal representation for individuals pursuing personal injury compensation following accidents that were not their fault. Our experienced solicitors manage claims across a wide range of injury types, delivering clear advice and diligent support throughout. We are committed to achieving fair outcomes while easing the burden on our clients and their families. 
Our Civil Litigation team offers disciplined, results-driven representation across a broad range of disputes. We act for individuals and commercial clients, advising on matters including breach of contract, property and land issues, professional negligence, defamation, and probate disputes. We approach each case proactively, prioritising resolution while remaining fully prepared to litigate when required. 
We are committed to delivering robust criminal defence by scrutinising every aspect of a case from first contact with the police to final determination. Our solicitors provide focused advocacy, examine the validity of arrests and charges, and explore all alternatives and defences. This thorough approach underpins our strong reputation across all criminal courts. 
We advise and represent clients in a broad spectrum of matrimonial and family law cases, many of which involve sensitive and challenging circumstances. Our approach combines legal expertise with a strong commitment to client care. Each case is managed with professionalism, careful attention to detail, and advice shaped to individual needs. 
Our conveyancing service is designed to support clients at every stage of a property transaction, whether buying, selling or restructuring a mortgage. As members of recognised industry schemes and lender panels, we are well positioned to manage matters accurately and efficiently. We focus on practical legal advice, maintaining clarity and consistency to minimise stress and delay throughout the process. 
Our practice offers professional guidance in all matters relating to wills, trusts and probate, with a strong focus on clarity and personal attention. We work closely with you to record your wishes accurately and lawfully. Through careful planning, trust advice and estate administration, we aim to minimise future difficulties and provide lasting peace of mind. 
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.
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.