Eilis McDermott

Eilis McDermott is a Northern Ireland barrister who was the first woman to become Queen's Counsel (QC).

Background
McDermott was born in Derry, Northern Ireland, in 1950. In 1968, she was admitted to Queen's University Belfast where she studied law, graduating in 1972. While she was a student she became an early member of People's Democracy. On a visit to New York City, she was made an honorary member of the Black Panther Party. She was called to the Bar of Northern Ireland in 1974, becoming a criminal law barrister.

Career
McDermott worked on the Bloody Sunday Inquiry, representing the family of Patrick Doherty. She also represented Liam Adams, brother of Gerry Adams, in Public Prosecution Service of Northern Ireland v. Liam Adams. In 2012, McDermott was the highest-paid barrister in Northern Ireland, earning between £770,035 and £900,000.

Personal life
McDermott lives in Belfast and has three children. She was formerly married to Oliver Kelly, a solicitor.