Her appointment to the firm’s global funds practice group follows the appointment in January of Carol Widger as managing partner in Ireland.

Ms O’Leary advises clients on a wide range of legal and regulatory matters, and has extensive experience establishing and operating European retail regulated funds (UCITS), exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and alternative investment funds (AIFs).

Commenting on her appointment, Ms Widger said: “Dechert is committed to building on our premier investment funds team in the Dublin market, leveraging the strength of our global platform. Ciara’s experience, particularly with UCITS and ETFs, complements the firm’s existing capabilities.”

Gus Black, global co-chair of Dechert’s financial services group, added: “Clients who use Ireland as a fund domicile are generally doing business on a global scale and value a truly joined-up offering across the US, UK and Ireland as well as other locations. This is reflected in the growth of our practice and we are delighted to welcome Ciara.”

Ms O’Leary said: “I look forward to joining Dechert’s global funds team as it continues to expand. Having the backing of the firm’s global and jurisdiction-neutral expertise will be valuable in advising clients on complex and demanding international matters.”