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Eilis McDermott is a Northern Ireland barrister who was the first woman to become Queen's Counsel (QC).

Background

McDermott was born in Derry, Northern Ireland, in 1950. In 1968, she was admitted to Queen's University Belfast where she studied law, graduating in 1972. While she was a student she became an early member of People's Democracy. On a visit to New York City, she was made an honorary member of the Black Panther Party. She was called to the Bar of Northern Ireland in 1974, becoming a criminal law barrister.

Career

McDermott worked on the Bloody Sunday Inquiry, representing the family of Patrick Doherty. She also represented Liam Adams, brother of Gerry Adams, in Public Prosecution Service of Northern Ireland v. Liam Adams. In 2012, McDermott was the highest-paid barrister in Northern Ireland, earning between £770,035 and £900,000.

Personal life

McDermott lives in Belfast and has three children. She was formerly married to Oliver Kelly, a solicitor.

References

1. ^ "Woman tops barrister earnings list". Irish Independent. 29 March 2012.
2. ^ Kane, Alex (23 November 2013). "Eilis McDermott: From student radical to inquisitor-in-chief of Gerry Adams". Belfast Telegraph. Retrieved 25 September 2024.
3. "Practising Barristers | The Bar of Northern Ireland". www.barofni.com.
4. McDonald, Henry (22 April 2013). "Gerry Adams denies trying to 'save his political skin' during brother's trial". The Guardian. Retrieved 25 September 2024.
5. "Jury in Liam Adams rape trial 'not properly briefed', says barrister". Irish Examiner. 25 March 2015.
6. "NI lawyers' legal aid fees revealed". BBC News. 29 March 2012.

• Living people
• 20th-century women lawyers from Northern Ireland
• 21st-century women lawyers from Northern Ireland
• Barristers from Northern Ireland
• Alumni of Queen's University Belfast
• Members of the Bar of Northern Ireland
• 1950 births
• Northern Ireland King's Counsel
• 21st-century King's Counsel