Mr McFarland, previously an employment partner at Elliott Duffy Garrett, brings over 12 years’ experience advising and representing clients on all aspects of employment law.

He has expertise in areas including industrial and fair employment tribunals, redundancy, employee relations and management issues, disciplinary and grievance processes, discrimination, TUPE and insolvency.

The firm — which also has an office in Dublin — said the latest senior appointment comes at a time of sustained growth in the Northern Ireland market, with growth across its full-service offering in Belfast.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr McFarland said: “I am very pleased to be joining Eversheds Sutherland as a new employment partner.

“The firm, as a locally based practice with global reach and expertise, is extremely well-placed to support local businesses in Northern Ireland in all respects, whether they are seeking to protect their operations, or to expand and grow in new markets.

“The current environment is extremely challenging for employers; strong and trustworthy legal advice is more important than ever as companies seek to navigate these issues.

“Since the Covid-19 pandemic, employers have faced new and swiftly developing issues, including the rise in home and hybrid working and the difficulty in recruiting and retaining talent. More locally, the ongoing political uncertainty in Northern Ireland continues to impact businesses and legislative reform.

“As we enter 2023, I am looking forward to working closely with all my colleagues across the wider Eversheds Sutherland network to deliver positive results for our clients and to help Northern Irish businesses adapt, develop, and seize new opportunities notwithstanding the challenging circumstances.”

Alan Connell, managing partner at Eversheds Sutherland Ireland, added: “I am delighted to welcome Ian to Eversheds Sutherland, and to be bolstering our employment offering in Northern Ireland.

“Ian’s appointment is the latest step in our strategic growth in the Northern Ireland market and another strong addition to our senior leadership team in Belfast.

“The coming year is likely to be another challenging and uncertain year for businesses, as they continue to grapple with supply chain issues, talent shortages, rising inflation and an increasingly complex regulatory environment.

“Ian’s employment expertise and skill in the local market will be crucial as we look to provide strong and reliable legal advice to not only meet, but to stay ahead of, our clients’ needs, as they contend with the many headwinds out there.”