Ms Counihan will dedicate 50 per cent of her professional time to pro bono legal activities, while the other 50 per cent will continue to be dedicated to her responsibilities as Matheson’s director of legal and regulatory affairs.

She will be responsible for working with management to refine Matheson’s pro bono strategy and for leading the pro bono initiatives and collaborative projects that engage Matheson’s lawyers and clients in supporting the communities in which they work and live.

The appointment follows Matheson’s recent establishment of a pro bono committee and the launch of the firm’s impactful business programme.

Managing partner Michael Jackson said: “Niamh is a lawyer of outstanding ability and extensive knowledge. Her appointment as pro bono partner, with responsibility to help refine and manage the implementation of our pro bono strategy, will greatly enhance the impact and reach of Matheson’s pro bono programme.

“I know that Niamh is enthusiastically looking forward to working with as many of our clients and our colleagues as possible as part of pro bono at Matheson.”

Ms Counihan added: “I am delighted to have been appointed Matheson’s pro bono partner. I am very excited about driving our impactful initiatives forward, together with our clients and colleagues in Matheson.

“Appointing a pro bono partner recognises that serving our community is a strategic priority for Matheson. It represents a welcome opportunity for us to leverage our skills and experience to help those in our community who could not otherwise access legal services.

“It also reflects our belief that our lawyers have a responsibility to use their professional expertise to provide access to justice to those who cannot afford it. We will prioritise those projects which will deliver the most positive impact on our communities, and I look forward to seeing the meaningful benefits they will deliver to those who need them most.”