Madden & Finucane Solicitors was established in Belfast in 1979 by Peter Madden and Pat Finucane. We have achieved a reputation of both local and international standing for providing exceptional and dedicated legal services. The heart of the firms ethos is to protect the rights of the individual. We have extensive experience of a wide range of legal areas and strive to provide a quality and professional service to our clients. For more than four decades we have established an international reputation for Human Rights work and Criminal Law.
The firm has established a strong reputation for excellence and expertise in representing Defendants in Criminal Cases, those arrested by Police and challenging inequality and unfairness from the State. We have acted in many of the most prominent challenges to the State in the European Court of Human Rights and Judicial Reviews. The firm provides a full range of legal services including family law, personal injury, litigation, defamation, professional negligence and conveyancing. We have a strong ethos of cost effective advice and provide initial consultations free of charge.
Firm founder Peter Madden has led Madden & Finucane into the digital age by integrating advanced information technology into the office workplace.
The firms dynamic IT department has enabled Madden & Finucane to retain its cutting edge and stay one step ahead of the competition. This new dynamic ensures that we can continue to pursue Human Rights cases at home and abroad as well as providing a wide range of quality services to our clients.
Madden & Finucane provide funding for legal aid to help people protect their basic rights and get a fair hearing, access the court process to resolve disputes and solve problems that contribute to social exclusion.
The firm has established a strong reputation for excellence and expertise in representing Defendants in Criminal Cases, those arrested by Police and challenging inequality and unfairness from the State. We have acted in many of the most prominent challenges to the State in the European Court of Human Rights and Judicial Reviews. The firm provides a full range of legal services including family law, personal injury, litigation, defamation, professional negligence and conveyancing. We have a strong ethos of cost effective advice and provide initial consultations free of charge.
Firm founder Peter Madden has led Madden & Finucane into the digital age by integrating advanced information technology into the office workplace.
The firms dynamic IT department has enabled Madden & Finucane to retain its cutting edge and stay one step ahead of the competition. This new dynamic ensures that we can continue to pursue Human Rights cases at home and abroad as well as providing a wide range of quality services to our clients.
Madden & Finucane provide funding for legal aid to help people protect their basic rights and get a fair hearing, access the court process to resolve disputes and solve problems that contribute to social exclusion.
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- 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
Payment methods
- Cash
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Services
The heart of the firms ethos is to protect the rights of the individual. Since the firm was established in 1979, we have developed an international reputation for excellence and expertise by successfully challenging inequality and unfairness from the State.We are a dedicated team of experienced solicitors determined to protect the rights and civil liberties of all sections of society. We place particular emphasis on the protection of vulnerable sections of society.
Madden & Finucane has a reputation for providing exceptional and dedicated legal services. We have extensive experience of a wide range of legal areas and strive to provide a quality and professional service to our clients.The firm provides a full range of legal services including personal injury, litigation, defamation and professional negligence. We have a strong ethos of cost effective advice and provide initial consultations free of charge.
At Madden & Finucane, our Civil Litigation team provides strategic, results-driven representation across a wide range of areas. With decades of experience in legal matters, we act for both individuals and businesses, offering clear, practical advice and robust advocacy at every stage of the litigation process. 
In our adversarial system, the defence lawyer must actively pursue the interests of the suspect or defendant.At every stage of criminal process, from the police station where many cases are won or lost, through to the Magistrates Court, Crown Court, Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court, we strive to maintain our reputation for actively pursuing the interests and rights of our clients.
At Madden & Finucane, our dedicated family law team has extensive experience in advising and representing clients across a broad range of complex and sensitive family matters. We understand the emotional and practical challenges that arise during relationship breakdowns and family disputes, and we are committed to providing clear, compassionate, and strategic legal support. 
At Madden & Finucane, we offer a reliable, efficient, and competitively priced conveyancing service for clients buying, selling, or re-mortgaging property. As members of the Home Charter Scheme and with accreditation on all major lender panels, including Building Societies, Banks, and the Northern Ireland Co-Ownership Housing Association, our team is well-placed to guide you through every step of your transaction. 
At Madden & Finucane, we provide expert guidance across the full spectrum of wills, trusts, and probate matters. Our experienced team offers a tailored will-writing service to help you plan your affairs with confidence and clarity. We take the time to understand your personal and financial circumstances, ensuring that your wishes are clearly expressed and legally sound. Promotions
Madden & Finucane offer initial consultations free of charge.
At Madden & Finucane, we provide clear and effective legal advice across a wide range of areas, including personal injury claims, conveyancing and family law matters, including wills and probate.
Our team has extensive experience representing clients in criminal defence and human rights matters, including public law and judicial reviews.
We are committed to protecting our clients rights and ensuring fair treatment under the law. Whether youre facing a legal dispute or planning for the future, we offer practical support and reliable representation at every stage.
Our team has extensive experience representing clients in criminal defence and human rights matters, including public law and judicial reviews.
We are committed to protecting our clients rights and ensuring fair treatment under the law. Whether youre facing a legal dispute or planning for the future, we offer practical support and reliable representation at every stage.
Expires on Jan 01, 3000
People
Peter Madden
Founding Partner
Peter 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 Partner
Patrick 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.
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Reviews (10)
Olivia Ryan
Feb 09, 2026
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A. K.
Jan 27, 2026
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Karen Curragh
Oct 26, 2025
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Lauren Brennan
Sep 05, 2025
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O. W.
Jul 28, 2025
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Ronan Mac
Nov 25, 2024
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The staff at Madden and Finucane are exceptionally nice and easy to get in touch with. They always listened to my side of the story and provided a great relief during my time of need. Whenever I was in a vulnerable situation, they were sympathetic and supportive, making sure I could reach out to them when it mattered most. Madden and finucane would be your best choice for anything in general. They are a group of highly professional, approachable solicitors who are always ready to help.
Hannah Graves
Jul 18, 2023
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Lily White
Sep 27, 2021
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Stephen Graham
Jul 14, 2021
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Emmett F.
Apr 24, 2019
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