Owen McCloskey is a practicing solicitor that specialises in social security and is currently serving as the Head of Social Security at Law Centre NI. In this role Owen supervises a team that delivers advice and representation in complex matters that help provide a wider understanding of the law.
Owen has extensive experience in test case litigation before tribunals and higher courts. In his role he also has experience in the development of accessible training materials and resources to assist frontline advisers utilise the law effectively.
Owen is a Justice First Fellow who is committed to using legal education to promote access to social justice. He provides teaching at both universities in Northern Ireland, supporting the clinical legal experience of law students.
He has also previously trained and supervised volunteers in a unit providing free representation at social security and employment tribunals. His academic qualifications include a law degree and a master’s in criminology, and he has contributed to various forums and publications aimed at improving social security and benefits decision-making.
Owen is also an independent member of the Social Security Standards Committee in Northern Ireland.
I was delighted to be appointed to the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) in January 2026. SSAC is an independent statutory body that provides impartial advice on social security related matters. It scrutinises the majority of complex secondary legislation that underpins …