The Irish office, led by country managing partner David Carthy, has already made a number of significant partner hires and says it will continue to expand to a team of up to 100 lawyers and business professionals over the coming years.

To mark the launch, Senator Mitchell met Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan to discuss Ireland’s potential as a global centre for legal services after Brexit.

Welcoming the firm to Ireland, Mr Flanagan said had “no doubt many firms will follow the lead of DLA Piper in the months and years ahead”.

DLA Piper said it established its Dublin office in response to demand for globally benchmarked legal and tax advice from domestic and multinational companies operating in, expanding into or exporting from Ireland. It will focus initially on the life sciences, technology and financial services sectors.

Commenting on the official launch, Senator Mitchell said: “Ireland’s position in the global market has become increasingly important given the internationalisation of the economy. With the global remit we have for our existing clients alongside Irish companies’ appetite to do business in every corner of the world, it was a natural step for DLA Piper to establish an office in Dublin.

“We also believe there is a real opportunity to establish Ireland as a global centre for legal services, which is why we are building a team, headed by managing partner David Carthy, with the strength and depth to deliver on this ambition.”

Simon Levine, global co-CEO at DLA Piper, added: “We have spent a number of months putting the right foundations in place here in Ireland, building a practice of ambitious, talented lawyers and tax advisers to provide globally benchmarked advice to clients.

“We are really pleased with our progress and are delighted to meet clients’ demand for a law firm in Ireland with a truly global reach. As we grow, we will continue to add to our team ensuring that our expertise mirrors the needs of our clients.”

Mr Flanagan said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to engage with the Chairperson Emeritus of DLA Piper, Senator Mitchell, and to welcome his firm to Ireland. I commend Senator Mitchell for his continued deep and abiding interest in Irish affairs and his strong support for Ireland.

“The UK’s decision to leave the EU presents many threats to Ireland but we have worked hard to identify opportunities - and international legal services offers great potential. DLA Piper’s decision to open an Irish office is a vote of confidence in Ireland’s legal talent pool and its future as an English-speaking common law jurisdiction and EU member state of international repute.”

Martin Shanahan, CEO of IDA Ireland, added: “Ireland has developed a thriving legal sector, and today’s announcement by DLA Piper further endorses this. In this ever-changing economic climate, Ireland can provide companies with a consistent, pro-business environment in which they can grow and thrive. I wish DLA Piper continued success here.”

David Carthy, country managing partner for DLA Piper in Ireland, said: “The internationalisation of the Irish economy is driving change in the Irish legal sector, changing how we do business and requiring greater innovation and diversity of thought. How firms adapt to meet and exceed client demand is the key factor in this evolution, and, as a firm well-known for its entrepreneurial spirit, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead to drive disruption and radical change in the market.”