With every day bringing new advice and guidance, we recognise that we’ve had to adapt our business model to provide advice, assistance and legal solutions for our clients. Although our office premises are closed, we are operating our services as usual.

At this time we would like you to meet our solicitors who are working remotely to deliver services in our usual professional and efficient way.

John O’Kelly – joined HHD solicitors in September 2015 and continues to practice alongside partner Matt Higgins frequently defending clients accused of murder, serious assaults, fraud, rape and high value drug offences in police stations and courts throughout Northern Ireland. John also has an extensive background in human rights law and in this role he has represented individuals and families seeking justice for loved ones who have suffered at the hands of the state, religious institutions and/or paramilitaries.

A priority for John in any case is excellent client care and in this regard John represented the Law Society of Northern Ireland at the International Client Consultation Competition 2013 where he was a finalist competing against lawyers from around the world. John graduated from the University of Ulster in 2010 with a 2:1 degree in Law with Politics. He then attended Queen’s University Belfast and obtained his postgraduate diploma in professional legal studies in 2013 whilst at the same time working in a major Belfast solicitors firm.

In recent weeks due to the Coronavirus pandemic and restrictions within Northern Ireland, John has been representing his clients at court and also remotely, working from his kitchen table. On Saturday 21st March 2020, John was representing a 15 year old female client at an emergency sitting of court at Lisburn Courthouse, which was preceded by representations at the police station.

This morning John is working remotely, advising clients in police stations and working on your cases whilst at home at his kitchen table.

At Higgins Hollywood Deazley solicitors in Belfast our aim is to provide our clients with first class legal advice and sound practical support. #BusinessAsUsual

Thank you #staysafe