A leading advocate for victims of medical negligence in Ireland
David O'Malley
David O’Malley has established himself as one of Ireland’s foremost solicitors in the field of medical negligence. His professional journey, marked by commitment, excellence, and a deep sense of empathy for victims, has led him to become Joint Managing Partner at the highly regarded firm Callan Tansey Solicitors, where he hasspent the majority of his career.
David graduated with a Bachelor of Civil Law from the National University of Ireland, Galway, in 2004. He went on to complete a Master’s degree in European and Comparative Law at the University of Limerick the following year. His strong legal foundations led him to take on roles as both tutor and lecturer at the Law Faculty of NUI Galway, even before finishing his professional training at Callan Tansey. Upon qualification, he focused his legal practice on the area of medical negligence—a challenging and emotionally complex branch of law.
David has represented clients in a wide range of medical specialities, including cerebral palsy, cardiology, orthopaedics, obstetrics and gynaecology, accident and emergency care, dentistry, neurology, delayed diagnosis, surgical injuries, and spinal trauma, among others. He also represents bereaved families at inquests, providing legal expertise as well as compassionate support during some of their most difficult moments. He co-authored an award winning book called “Medical Inquests alongside Roger Murray SC and Doireann O’Mahony BL.
He is an active member of the Sligo Bar Association, the Medical Injuries Alliance, and Action Against Medical Accidents (AVMA)—organisations committed to improving medical and legal standards across Ireland. David’s approach combines legal precision with a clear moral mission: to ensure justice for those who have suffered at the hands of a flawed healthcare system.
Beyond the courtroom, David has been a vocal advocate for legislative reform. Over the past number of years, he has actively campaigned for the urgent introduction of periodic payment legislation for catastrophically injured individuals. He argues that streamlining the legal process and reducing the burden of repeated medical assessments would significantly ease the suffering of those affected.
David O’Malley’s recognition at a European level highlights not only his personal achievements but also the critical role that dedicated legal professionals play in shaping a more just and compassionate society.
