About Cormac McDonough
Cormac is a Partner in the Civil Liberties & Human Rights team at Hodge Jones & Allen.
He represents individuals and families in claims against the police, government departments and other public bodies. His practice encompasses civil liberties, human rights, public law, discrimination and serious personal injury, with a particular focus on holding public authorities to account where individuals have suffered harm as a result of unlawful conduct, negligence or abuses of power.
Cormac has extensive experience acting for clients who have suffered life-changing physical and psychiatric injuries. He regularly represents individuals in complex and sensitive litigation involving human rights breaches, discrimination, negligence and the unlawful exercise of public powers. His work frequently concerns vulnerable individuals and those facing significant imbalances of power when dealing with the state.
He has particular expertise in acting for bereaved families following deaths in police and prison custody, both at inquests and in associated civil claims. He is experienced in managing complex, high-profile and multi-party proceedings and has represented families in a number of high-profile inquests concerning police and state accountability.
In addition to civil claims, Cormac undertakes public law and judicial review work. He acts in challenges against government departments and public authorities involving unlawful decision-making, human rights, extradition, compensation schemes and access to justice. He also has experience representing clients in discrimination claims under the Equality Act 2010, including cases concerning freedom of expression, protected beliefs and equal treatment.
"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
A significant part of Cormac’s practice involves representing victims of miscarriages of justice and pursuing accountability for institutional failings. He acts for individuals seeking redress following wrongful convictions, unlawful detention and other serious failures by state bodies.
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
Public Law and Judicial Review
- Diogo Santos Coelho v Secretary of State for the Home Department – Acting for a Portuguese national in ongoing judicial review and appellate proceedings concerning the Home Secretary’s exercise of powers under section 179 of the Extradition Act 2003. The case raises novel issues concerning competing extradition requests, human rights protections and the treatment of vulnerable individuals in extradition proceedings.
- Robinson v HM Assistant Coroner for Blackpool and Fylde – Represented the family in judicial review proceedings arising from the scope of a coroner’s investigation following a death after police contact. The case addressed the relationship between coronial investigations and the investigative obligations arising under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
Freedom of Expression, Protest Rights and Civil Liberties
- Peter Tatchell v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis – Representing veteran human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell in ongoing proceedings arising from recent arrests during peaceful protests concerning the conflict in Gaza and Palestinian rights. The cases raise important issues concerning freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and the lawfulness of police interference with peaceful political protest and campaigning activity.
- Charlotte Lynch v Chief Constable of Hertfordshire Police – Representing journalist Charlotte Lynch in a claim arising from her arrest whilst reporting on Just Stop Oil protest activity on the M25. The case raises important issues concerning freedom of the press, police powers and the rights of journalists reporting on matters of significant public interest.
- Liz Smith v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis – Representing documentary filmmaker Liz Smith in a claim arising from her arrest whilst filming Just Stop Oil protest activity on the day of the King’s Coronation. The case raises important issues concerning freedom of expression, police powers and the protection afforded by Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights to journalists and filmmakers documenting matters of public interest.
- Paul Weller v Harris & Trotter LLP – Acting for musician Paul Weller in an Equality Act claim arising from the termination of a longstanding professional relationship because of his protected philosophical beliefs and publicly expressed political views concerning Gaza.
Miscarriages of Justice
- Post Office Horizon Compensation Claims – Representing former Subpostmasters and Post Office employees pursuing compensation following wrongful convictions and other losses caused by the Post Office Horizon scandal.
Public Inquiries
- Undercover Policing Inquiry – Representing political activists whose organisation was infiltrated by an undercover police officer and a woman who was deceived into a long-term intimate relationship by the same officer.
Inquests
- Fishmongers’ Hall Inquest – Represented the mother of Saskia Jones following the Fishmongers’ Hall terrorist attack, participating in the inquest examining the circumstances surrounding the attack and the actions of public authorities.
- Inquest into the Death of Edson Da Costa – Represented the family of Edson Da Costa following his death after police restraint in a high-profile inquest examining police conduct and the use of force.
- Michael McDonagh Inquest – Represented the mother of Michael McDonagh, who died following the unlawful prescription of methadone whilst detained at HMP Forest Bank. The inquest examined serious failures in prison healthcare and medication management.
Civil Claims Against Public Authorities
- HMP Holme House Group Litigation – Acting for more than 50 prisoners in a group action against the Ministry of Justice arising from alleged breaches of Articles 3 and 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The claim concerns unsafe living conditions at HMP Holme House, including prolonged exposure to sub-zero temperatures and repeated cell flooding, and raises issues of wider importance concerning the state’s duty to ensure safe and humane conditions for those in custody.
- HMP Isle of Wight Fire Litigation – Represented prisoners who suffered serious injuries following a fire at HMP Isle of Wight, pursuing claims against the Ministry of Justice.
- Traylor v Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust – Acted for a young woman who suffered life-changing injuries in a knife attack by her father during a psychotic episode. The claim alleged failures in the Defendant’s psychiatric care and risk management of her father while he was under its care.
Memberships & Appointments
- Police Action Lawyers Group
- Inquest Lawyers Group
"Cormac was professional and personable... He explained complex issues well and gave excellent advice."
Career
- Partner, Hodge Jones & Allen, 2021
- Admitted as a Solicitor, 2013
- Trainee Solicitor, Hodge Jones & Allen: 2011-2013
Education
- LPC, University of Law, London Bloomsbury
- GDL, College of Law, Chester
- BSc Hons, Queens University Belfast
Opinion
