Cormac McDonough

Partner

Civil Liberties & Human Rights Solicitors

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About Cormac McDonough

Cormac McDonough is a specialist in actions against the police and other state bodies, acting for individuals who have experienced unlawful treatment and serious rights violations. He has particular expertise in representing bereaved families in inquests and civil claims following deaths in police and prison custody, and has secured substantial damages in cases involving assault, unlawful arrest, malicious prosecution, and breaches of the Human Rights Act.

Cormac also represents victims of miscarriages of justice in their applications for compensation and related judicial review proceedings, often in complex and high-profile cases.

In addition, Cormac has developed a strong practice in discrimination law. He acts for clients bringing claims under the Equality Act 2010 against both state bodies and private organisations, including employers, service providers, and public authorities. His work in this area includes cases involving race, disability, gender, and sexual orientation discrimination, often with a human rights dimension.

Cormac has a growing interest in data protection and privacy law, and has successfully recovered damages for clients whose personal information was unlawfully accessed or misused by police forces and other public bodies.

"I could not be more impressed with the level of care, attention and professionalism Cormac has shown. I immediately knew I was in the right hands with his expertise and clear tenacity." "He is able to fight for the client no matter their circumstances." - Chambers UK, 2025

"Cormac McDonough is fantastic – an astute, calm, measured, and intellectually formidable solicitor who combines mastery of the details of the client’s case with a clear and forensic understanding of the law and the boundaries to be pushed or recognised in the developing areas in which the case may sit." - Legal 500, 2025

“He has a great attention to detail and picks out the best points to focus on. He prepares fantastically for every case.” – Chambers UK, 2024

“Cormac handles my matter and is able to explain things very distinctly and clearly. He is very confident and knows the law inside out. His real strength is that he has a very gentle and sensitive manner.” – Chambers UK, 2024

“Cormac is an excellent solicitor who is really bright and dedicated.” “Cormac is clever, courageous and not afraid to take on really cutting-edge cases.”
“His knowledge of the detail of any case is very comprehensive.” – Chambers UK, 2023

“Cormac manages to appear laid back, but he is absolutely switched on and his mastery of detail is second to none.”

“He really gets into the details of his cases and spots points that other people would not spot.” “He is very intelligent and to the point.” Chambers UK, 2022

“He was extremely thorough, really proactive and left no stone unturned. I could not imagine anyone better!”

Client Comments

“I have nothing but praise for the HJA team representing Postmasters in their fight for justice and compensation. Cormac McDonough has been very professional and at the same time compassionate helping me to settle my compensation claim. It has been a very difficult and stressful time for me and my family but throughout it all Cormac has been friendly, supportive and always responsive when I needed information or just to talk. If you need help Cormac and HJA are there for you. Thank you.”

“My brother and I had the privilege of being represented by Cormac McDonough on a particularly sensitive and emotionally complex matter. From our very first interaction, Cormac impressed us with his professionalism, integrity, and genuine compassion. He navigated us through every stage of the process with clarity, empathy, and sound legal advice. His calm and measured approach helped us feel reassured even during the most difficult moments. Cormac was always accessible, responsive, and incredibly thorough, qualities that made a real difference during a stressful time. Thanks to his expertise and steady guidance, the matter was resolved in a fair and thoughtful way that respected all involved. We are deeply grateful for his support and would recommend him without hesitation to anyone seeking a solicitor who truly cares and delivers exceptional service.”

“The people we had to work with where understanding and always helpful they made the experience so easy and as its over a death they keep are feeling and views as a priority.”

“I had no knowledge of this company until I picked them randomly from an internet search and I highly rate them,they dealt with my case which involved my Dad’s death in Prison really sensitively. Every member of staff that I spoke to was always kind and unjudgemental during what was a difficult time for me. They made sure that I was kept informed during every step of my case and took the time to explain everything so that I understood clearly what was happening and could make informed decisions. My solicitor was always happy to answer my questions no matter how trivial and if he wasn’t available straightaway he was always quick to get back to me. Nothing can bring back my Dad but my solicitor and his team have got the best possible results for me which is something I couldn’t have done without their help. If I ever have need for legal advice again then Hodge Jones & Allen will be my first port of call.”

"Cormac McDonough has been extremely helpful... He explains the law in simple language. I am extremely happy with the service he has provided."

“HJA were incredibly helpful. Extremely patient, kind and knowledgeable. I would recommend Sasha and Cormac to anyone.”

“A huge thank you to both Stephen Simblet from Garden Court Law & Cormac McDonough from Hodge Jones & Allen on their fantastic work in the last 3 years and the amazing support they have given my family with the inquest into my cousin’s death in prison.”

“By my side from the 1st to last day of a very tragic and traumatic part of my family’s lives.”

“Mr Cormac McDonough has been extremely helpful and very brilliant. He is very humble and respectful. he has excellent customer service skills. He explains the law in simple language. I am extremely happy with the service he has provided and will recommend him to anyone.”

“Cormac was professional and personable, focused but never short. He explained complex issues well and gave excellent advice while listening carefully to me. He was extremely thorough, really proactive and left no stone unturned. I could not imagine anyone better! Sensitive and determined.”

Notable Cases

Post Office Horizon IT scandal – representing multiple former sub-postmasters and Post Office employees in compensation claims following wrongful convictions caused by systemic failures in the Horizon IT system.

Undercover Policing Inquiry – acting for members of a non-violent pro-Palestinian support organisation infiltrated by an undercover police officer, and for a woman deceived into a relationship with the same officer.

Robinson v HM Assistant Coroner for Blackpool & Fylde – representing the mother of Ronald Robinson, who died following contact with police. The case is currently before the Court of Appeal.

Michael McDonagh Inquest (2023) – represented the mother of a man who died following the unlawful prescription of methadone in HMP Forest Bank.

Various v Ministry of Justice (2022) – secured damages for multiple inmates of HMP Isle of Wight who suffered psychiatric and respiratory injuries during a serious fire at the prison.

Traylor v Kent & Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust (2022) – acted for a young woman who suffered life-changing injuries in a knife attack by her father whilst he was suffering a psychotic episode. Claim alleged failures in psychiatric care by the Defendant prior to the attack.