The new office, Matheson’s sixth worldwide following its recent expansion into San Francisco, will be led by Cork native Gráinne Callanan, senior associate in the firm’s corporate department.

Clients in the region will have access to an experienced local team and will also be able to avail of the full suite of legal services and expertise of Matheson’s Dublin, London and US offices.

Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Simon Coveney welcomed the new office as “a real vote of confidence in Cork and Munster generally”.

Michael Jackson, managing partner at Matheson, said: “This is an exciting time for Matheson as we continue to invest in our client services, our people and our innovation strategy. The opening of our Cork office follows the opening of our new office in San Francisco last year reflecting our continued development and expansion across our key markets and industry sectors.

“Alongside Cork’s projected growth trajectory as a hub for multinational and indigenous business and innovation, we envisage that our Cork office will continue to grow over time to meet our clients’ legal needs in the region - and we also look forward to attracting the top legal talent from Munster to Matheson’s Cork office.”

Ms Callanan added: “Matheson has a large client base operating in this region - and we are committed to servicing our clients where they are located. Our new Cork office will put us in closer proximity to offer enhanced levels of legal service to our Cork and wider Munster-based clients.

“I am very excited to come home to Cork to lead Matheson’s newest office – our sixth office internationally - and to be part of Cork’s dynamic and expanding profile as a domestic and international business hub.”