Mr Dempsey, previously an associate with the firm, specialises in contractual disputes, shareholder disputes, insurance claims, product liability claims, professional negligence and personal injury claims.

He also has considerable experience advising clients on aspects of alternative dispute resolution to include arbitration and mediation.

Mr Dempsey’s appointment coincides with the firm’s recent appointment of three associates and three newly-qualified solicitors across its corporate, property, construction and dispute resolution teams.

The law firm says that with the departure of the UK from the EU there is now the potential for the Irish legal system to be regarded as the jurisdiction of choice for contract dispute resolution.

Managing partner Mark Walsh said: “The Irish common law system is now the only one of its kind within the EU and that makes Ireland a prime destination for dispute resolution in the aftermath of Brexit.

“I am delighted to announce Paul’s appointment to our expanding team. Our dispute resolution department is highly experienced across all areas of litigation.

“We have protected our clients’ interests in some of the largest and most high-profile cases to come before the Irish courts and Paul’s appointment strengthens this expertise.

“Paul started his career with Eugene F. Collins and I look forward to his continued and growing contribution to the firm.”

Maura Connolly, head of dispute resolution at the firm, added: “There has been an increasing focus on alternative dispute resolution in the Irish market.

“Eugene F. Collins has been involved in multi-million euro claims from hedge funds to commercial property and large-scale insurance disputes.

“Under the Mediation Act 2017, solicitors are obliged to advise clients to consider mediation to attempt to resolve a dispute prior to issuing proceedings.

“We are now strengthening our team in this important area and Paul brings extensive experience in all aspects of commercial litigation.”