International law firm DLA Piper has announced plans to open a Dublin office headed by David Carthy, who joins from William Fry.

The new office will initially focus on the financial services, technology and life sciences sectors.

Mr Carthy is currently a partner in the corporate department at William Fry, and leads the firm’s FDI and life sciences and healthcare groups.

Commenting on the new office, Simon Levine, global co-CEO of DLA Piper, said: “We have been evaluating Dublin for some time and through consultation with our clients (a number of whom currently operate in Ireland or are looking to) and our partners have decided now is the right time for DLA Piper to enter the Irish market.

“Dublin is an important legal market and a key global hub for the financial services and technology sectors, in addition to being well located to support our global tax practice, and will continue to be so, particularly in the context of Brexit, as we expect more institutions to have or develop a presence in the country.”

Mr Levine added: “We are really excited that David Carthy, a first-rate lawyer who is well-known and respected in the market, will be joining us to head up our new office.”

Andrew Darwin, global co-chairman of DLA Piper, said: “We are delighted to become the only truly global law firm with a presence in Dublin. DLA Piper is renowned for its global footprint and commitment to high-quality service, our meritocratic and business-focused approach, innovation and diversity - all of which present significant opportunities for ambitious, talented solicitors and tax advisers in Ireland who have, or are looking to develop, an international practice.

“We very much look forward to welcoming David to the firm where he will build our Dublin office as an integrated part of the global firm, providing first-rate legal and tax services to the firm’s clients operating in, expanding into or exporting from Ireland.”