The firm this week welcomed business leaders, government representatives and partners and senior leaders from across its global offices to a launch party at the National Gallery.

Simon Coveney, minister for enterprise, trade and employment, said: “I’m really pleased at the news that Squire Patton Boggs is opening a new Dublin office with the creation of up to 50 new jobs over the coming years. It is a very welcome announcement and sees additional growth in the legal service space.

“It is also a vote of confidence in Ireland, and our workforce, that a leading legal firm such as Squire Patton Boggs has chosen to establish in here.”

The Dublin office will offer highly specialised corporate and transactional legal services, particularly M&A and private equity, backed by the full range of ancillary legal support. The initial team, which includes recently hired corporate and private equity partner George Kennedy, will focus on assisting domestic and international companies on a diverse range of cross-border matters.

Steve Mahon, SPB’s global managing partner for clients and strategy, said: “Ireland is a dynamic economy that continues to emerge as a strategic location for investment from across multiple sectors where our firm has deep connections.

“Our new office enables us to continue to help our clients achieve their ambitions domestically and abroad. We are excited to launch and have a view towards continued expansion.”

Mr Agnew, Irish managing partner, said: “The client response from across the firm has been overwhelmingly positive and presents considerable opportunities for our corporate, private equity and funds practices to leverage our transatlantic and pan-European capabilities.

“I’m also excited about the prospects for growth with Ireland forming a key part of our global growth strategy with plans to hire up to 50 employees in the coming years.”

EMEA managing partner Jonathan Jones added: “We’ve seen a steady increase in recent years in Irish law matters, and the rationale to provide a more focused and wholly dedicated legal resource aligns with our global strategy.

“The Dublin team we have under Dennis, the Irish qualified lawyers we have right across our firm, the interest and support from clients, and the warm reception we have so far in Ireland, have all strengthened our commitment to making this office the clear choice for international and domestic M&A transactions.”

Mary Buckley, executive director of IDA Ireland, said: “IDA Ireland welcomes Squire Patton Boggs plans to grow its legal team to 50 employees in Ireland.

“The company is a welcome addition to Ireland’s vibrant and expanding legal services ecosystem and their plans signal confidence in the favourable conditions that exist here for companies in this sector.”