Dublin-based firm Arthur Cox has appointed Catriona Gibson as managing partner of its Northern Ireland practice in what it says is a first for women.

Ms Gibson will be the first woman to assume leadership of a top-tier law firm in Northern Ireland, it said, leading a practice of 90 while continuing to head its dispute resolution team.

The outgoing managing partner, Alan Taylor, will become chairman of the firm’s Northern Ireland practice and Belfast office.

Ms Gibson said: “It’s a tremendous honour to lead one of the most respected advisory teams in Northern Ireland.

“Our firm in Belfast has a history that stretches back almost 100 years, and it is remarkable what we have built under Alan’s term – a firm with truly global reach and capabilities, one that is a natural adviser to the largest multinationals operating here.

“Looking forwards, we are committed to the local marketplace and committed to providing trusted and innovative advice to an ever-growing national and international client base. I have learnt much from Alan’s leadership and will continue to value his counsel as we further build our reputation for nuanced and pragmatic advice.”

Ms Gibson specialises in commercial, product liability and finance litigation, and has worked on many of the most high-profile cases to come before the courts in Northern Ireland and London.

Mr Taylor added: “Catriona is unparalleled locally within professional services for the strength of her capabilities and the international locus that she has brought right to the heart of Northern Ireland’s professional service community.

“She has been a leading light within the practice for many years, highly regarded by clients and peers alike as an excellent advisor who is not only technically very strong but also very commercially-minded.

“Catriona has been a major driver of Arthur Cox’s success and has been heavily involved in a number of genuinely pioneering legal developments in recent years. I look forward to working closely with Catriona in her new role, in which I know she will be a huge success.”