Admitted to practise in Northern Ireland in 2003.

Education: Gerard graduated in 2001 with LLB (First Class Honours) from Queen's University Belfast and subsequently obtained his professional qualifications through the Institute of Professional Legal Studies in Belfast, obtaining a Certificate of Professional Legal Studies (distinction) in 2003.

Gerard joined Carson McDowell as a Trainee Solicitor in September 2001 and, after completing his apprenticeship with the Firm, joined the firm's Corporate Finance and PFI/PPP teams as an Assistant Solicitor in September 2003. Gerard became an Associate in May 2007.

Gerard's particular interest is in PFI/PPP project work and he has advised on many of the Northern Irish projects which have successfully negotiated their way from inception to close in the past number of years. Gerard has been involved in advising parties on all sides of the PFI/PPP matrix, including authorities and local departments, banks and lending institutions, private consortia and major construction organisations. Projects on which Gerard has taken an active advisory role include schools and education projects, government administration initiatives and roads infrastructure programmes.

Gerard has also been particularly active in the firm's wind farm practice and has advised landowners, option-holders and developers in relation to the acquisition, sale and development of wind farm projects.  Together with the other members of the firm's wind farm team, Gerard has advised developers in relation to the various agreements, contracts, licences and consents to be obtained to get wind farm projects off the ground. Gerard has also advised funders in relation to financing and refinancing exercises in relation to a number of wind farm projects in Northern Ireland.

Gerard also has experience in a number of areas within the Corporate Finance team's remit, including the sale and acquisition of companies, business sales and acquisitions, supply agreements, drafting and advising on terms and conditions of sale, corporate restructuring strategies and shareholder advices.

What the Legal 500 2009 says:

Project Finance and PFI: Carson McDowell's team has a ‘thorough understanding of the issues‘, and Michael Johnston and associate Gerard Armstrong are noted for their ‘excellent response times‘. The team is experienced in the wind farm/energy, electricity, and education sectors, and recently advised a construction joint venture on the Dumfries & Galloway Council Smarter Schools PPP Project.

What Chambers 2010 says:

Projects & Energy - PFI/PPP:  Michael Johnston and Gerard Armstrong (Associate to Watch) led the team working for Gilbert Ash as prospective building contractor on the Lagan College and Tor Bank Primary School PPP project. The two lawyers are recommended for their good negotiating skills, with Johnston known for his lender work and Armstrong for his subcontractor expertise.