Donegal delight at LEAP Irish Law Awards at Burlington Road's Clayton Hotel

Natasha McDermott and David McGinley with their awards at the LEAP Irish Law Awards

placeholder image — Natasha McDermott and David McGinley with their awards at the LEAP Irish Law Awards

The Sole Practitioner of the Year was won by Natasha McDermott, from McDermott Solicitors in Burt, while Lawyer of the Year for Connacht/Ulster went to David McGinley, McGinley Solicitors LLP, in Letterkenny and Milford

There were Donegal successes at the LEAP Irish Law Awards as the winners were revealed at a gala awards ceremony at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin, hosted by Anton Savage on Friday night.

The Sole Practitioner of the Year was won by Gaoth Dobhair native Natasha McDermott, from McDermott Solicitors in Burt, while the Lawyer of the Year for Connacht/Ulster went to David McGinley, McGinley Solicitors LLP, in Letterkenny and Milford. Former President Mrs Mary Robinson was named as the Lifetime Achievement winner.

The awards highlight the extraordinary achievements of individuals, firms, and teams who demonstrate outstanding dedication, skill, and leadership in the practice of law.

This year’s ceremony brought together over 500 legal professionals from across the country, representing a wide range of practice areas, regions, and sectors.

With 31 award categories, the night recognised solicitors, barristers, legal executives, in-house teams, law schools, and students who have gone above and beyond in delivering exemplary service and driving positive change in the legal landscape.

"The LEAP Irish Law Awards are an opportunity to recognise the people and firms who lead by example," Shane Branagan, CEO of LEAP Legal Software, said. "These winners represent the future of legal practice in Ireland, and we’re proud to support an event that honours the profession’s highest standards.

"The 2025 awards once again demonstrated the resilience and ambition of Ireland’s legal community. As the profession continues to evolve, the awards serve as a reminder of the values that define great legal practice: integrity, service, innovation, and leadership."