Mr Nolan, who will continue to advise clients as head of the firm’s technology law team, succeeds Christine O’Donovan in the post.

Managing partner Will Carmody said: “Building on over a decade of unprecedented growth in Mason Hayes & Curran, this new appointment further illustrates the unique trajectory of our firm. Philip’s background combines the worlds of complex laws and emerging technology.

“This will further enhance our client offering as the environment in which they operate changes rapidly. I would also like to thank our former chair Christine O’Donovan for her dedication over the last four years and wish her well in her continuing role as partner in our aviation and international asset finance team.”

Mr Nolan said: “It’s a great honour to become the firm’s chair and to be able to work in this role with clients and staff at this exciting time in the market for legal services.

“As the landscape for legal services rapidly evolves and our clients’ requirements become more sophisticated, the priority will be working with the firm’s management and lawyers to maintain our position as a market leader advising in emerging new areas of law. Key to this will be attracting and retaining the most talented lawyers to support our clients.”

Joining Mason Hayes & Curran as a trainee in 1997, Mr Nolan became a partner in 2004 and was a member of the firm’s management group for 12 years.