The move follows hot on the heels of A&L Goodbody, who last year became the first Irish law firm to appoint a dedicated pro bono associate.

Arthur Cox said Ms Minnock’s appointment is a powerful demonstration of its continuing commitment to making meaningful and positive impacts in the communities in which it operates.

Ms Minnock brings a wealth of international experience in the not-for-profit sector, having worked for Irish Rule of Law International (IRLI) in Malawi; as programme co-ordinator for the International Development Law Organisation in Afghanistan; and most recently as programme manager for Asia at Internews Network, based in Thailand.

Alex McLean, partner and head of the firm’s pro bono practice, said: “Carolann’s appointment is an important signal of the firm’s commitment to pro bono matters and builds on the institutional capacity of the firm to increase significantly the volume and impact of the pro bono work that the firm undertakes.”

Ms Minnock added: “I am delighted to take up this appointment and excited by the opportunity to work with the team at Arthur Cox to grow the firm’s pro bono practice.”