People are our most important asset and we believe in creating a work environment where our staff will thrive and convey their passion for the law to our clients. The practice comprises three Principals, supported by a number of Assistant Solicitors and we assign each client the solicitor or team best suited to meet their needs. This ensures that our clients benefit from the optimum advice and professional skills available.

We always remember that our clients are individuals and respect their concerns in dealing with legal matters. We believe it is our responsibility to ensure that their involvement in the legal process is as stress-free as is possible and to talk to our clients in terms that are open, frank and straightforward.

PRINCIPALS

H Matt Higgins

Matt has had a lifelong love of the law. After graduating from Sheffield University in 1987, he cut his teeth with a number of prominent legal practices in Belfast, before setting up HHD with his partners in 1996. He specialises in Criminal Law and is passionate in his work in this field. Matt's work in Criminal Law, as well as in Human Rights and Judicial Review, has gained him a reputation as a tenacious and purposeful advocate. Indeed, he is a fully qualified Advanced Advocate and is a member of the Human Rights Practitioners Working Group. He has been instructed by both the Human Rights Commission and the Belfast Solicitors Association (BSA) to take Judicial Reviews for them, and to this end, his energetic pursuit of the justice has taken him from Belfast to Dublin, Amsterdam and Hong Kong.

He is active within the wider legal arena including being appointed Chairman of Belfast Solicitors Association 2008/2009 and an active member of their Criminal Sub-Committee. He is also a director of the Old Museum Arts Centre in Belfast.

H Michael Hollywood

Michael's work embraces some of the most traumatic cases handled by the HHD practice. He specialises in personal injury litigation, most notably with cases related to asbestos diseases and medical negligence & accidents. Indeed, it is with regard to asbestosis that Michael is best known. He is one of the most respected experts in this field, and with over 15 years experience, he is one of only a very few solicitors in Northern Ireland to provide detailed asbestosis expertise. He is ably supported in his caseload by his assistant, Fiona Sterritt.

Meticulous care, coupled with compassion and sensitivity are the hallmarks of Michael and Fiona's approach to working with clients and their families.

D Damian Deazley

A graduate of Queen's University, Damian was admitted to the Role of Solicitors in Northern Ireland in 1991. He is a founding partner of HHD, having a particular expertise in Civil and Commercial Litigation, particularly in regard to accidents at work and road traffic accidents, and is respected within the legal field for his professionalism and experience. His attention to detail has resulted in successful settlements of many claims for substantial compensation. Damian is ably assisted by his colleague, Caroline Dunlop.