David McDonnell
Partner
Belfast
david.mcdonnell@brownejacobson.com
+44 (0)28 9099 8211
David has considerable experience on a broad range of real estate matters.
David advises a variety of clients including high net worth private clients, property investors, property developers and business owners across the UK, the island of Ireland and beyond.
David co-founded Davidson McDonnell in Belfast in 2015 and he was part of the leadership team that built the firm into one of Northern Ireland’s premier, full-service ‘go to’ commercial law firms within a 10-year period. Davidson McDonnell merged with Browne Jacobson in May 2026. Many of David’s clients have been clients of his for more than 20 years.
David is ranked in Chambers.
David remains qualified in both Northern Ireland and England and Wales and regularly advises on high value real estate transactions in both jurisdictions.
Expertise
Experience
City centre leasing agreement to international financial institution
Advising a longstanding private client on the agreement for lease and lease of a city centre building to an international financial institution.
Generated response Corporate relocation advisory, Belfast
Advising a leading European multimedia corporation on its relocation to a new state of the art premises in Belfast.
W&R Barnett Limited's acquisition of Symphony Group
Leading the Real Estate team of lawyers on the property elements of the W&R Barnett Limited acquisition of Symphony Group, the UK’s largest privately owned manufacturer of fitted furniture.
Long-term general counsel advisory
Advising a longstanding local company on all of its real estate, finance and corporate law requirements across the Island of Ireland, the UK and beyond over the past 20 years.
Office to private rental scheme conversion
Leading the multi-disciplinary legal team advising an Irish developer on the acquisition, financing and subsequent redevelopment of an office building in the South of England into 250-unit private rental scheme.
Testimonials
“David McDonnell is very pleasant to deal with and provides peace of mind through the entire legal process. He is available for any questions in a timely manner and explains matters in great detail at the correct level.”
"His communication is excellent and he explains all the matters to us in simple language."
"David is very responsive, easy to work with and very accessible."
"David McDonnell is a top-class lawyer with a wealth of experience in the property sector."
Recognition
