The firm, which has over 1,400 lawyers in 30 offices across Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, said its Irish base would initially focus on the areas of privacy and data protection, technology, life sciences, intellectual property and corporate law.

Technology and communications partner Roger Bickerstaff and life sciences and healthcare partner Sally Shorthose will initially head the office, working closely with new hires to “fully immerse them in the international Bird & Bird network and to support the projected rapid growth of the office”.

Partner Stuart Cairns, co-head of the international projects and procurement group, and Francine Cunningham, director of the regulatory and public affairs practice in Brussels, will also spend “significant periods of time” in the new Dublin office, the firm said.

Commenting today, David Kerr, CEO of Bird & Bird, said: “Our clients are some of the most innovative businesses in the world, at the cutting edge of technology and the digital world.

“Our firm has always grown strategically and in line with our clients’ needs, so opening an office in Dublin – a vibrant market which is playing an increasingly significant international role across many industries – is a natural next step for us. We’re really excited to open our Dublin office in the summer.”