Ms McDwyer, who joins MHC from a leading Australian commercial law firm based in Sydney, helps clients to identify, secure and commercialise their intellectual property rights and protect them from infringement.

She is an expert on brand protection issues and trade mark strategies and manages international trade mark portfolios for clients. She frequently acts in contentious trade mark, copyright, designs and patent matters.

Commenting on her appointment, Gerry Kelly, head of the firm’s IP team, said: “Having someone with Hazel’s expertise is of great benefit to our clients. She can seamlessly navigate the frequently complex issues of IP commercialisation and she intuitively understands the business needs of her clients.”

Ms McDwyer added: “I am delighted to join such a talented and renowned team. My international experience, particularly on managing cross border IP portfolios, means that I bring an informed perspective to clients expanding or scaling globally.”