The independent law firm is the only firm from Northern Ireland to be shortlisted for the Legal Firm of the Year award, competing with UK practices including Brodies and Shepherd and Wedderburn.

The winner will be named at an awards ceremony in Edinburgh on 30 April 2026, which will feature a keynote address by Sir Bob Geldof and a special guest appearance by Amal Clooney’s husband, George Clooney.

The British Business Awards, in association with NatWest, celebrate excellence across the UK economy, recognising organisations that demonstrate outstanding performance, innovation, workplace culture, customer impact, and contribution to society. 

More than 400 companies entered the awards in 2026, with shortlisted businesses independently assessed across these five core pillars.

Shortlisted organisations will also form the inaugural British Business Leaders List, a new designation recognising businesses that are setting the benchmark for modern enterprise and helping to shape the UK’s economic future.

Roger McMillan, managing partner at Carson McDowell, said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted for Legal Firm of the Year at the British Business Awards.

“This is a fabulous achievement for Carson McDowell and a powerful endorsement of what our people have achieved together. Over recent years, we have delivered strong growth while remaining firmly focused on quality, collaboration and long‑term value.

“This recognition reflects the depth of talent across our firm, our commitment to developing and supporting our wonderful people, and the collective effort that underpins everything we do for our clients.”

Senior partner Neasa Quigley added: “This shortlist recognition is a strong validation of Carson McDowell’s position as a leading independent law firm competing on a UK‑wide stage.

“It reflects the confidence our clients place in us to deliver commercially focused, high‑quality legal advice on complex and strategically important matters.

“To be recognised alongside some of the most respected legal firms in the UK underlines the strength of our market offering, our sector expertise and our commitment to maintaining the highest professional standards.

“We are looking forward to attending the awards and celebrating alongside all the incredible finalists.”