Mr Hogan was the European commissioner for agriculture and rural development from 2014 to 2019, and then the European commissioner for trade until his resignation last August.

The firm said Mr Hogan’s appointment will strengthen its global advisory and government affairs capabilities, helping clients to navigate rapidly changing regulatory and business environments.

As part of the firm’s commitment to offer clients integrated strategic advice going beyond legal expertise, Mr Hogan will spearhead a team of policy, legal and sectoral experts offering a holistic perspective on regulatory, political and corporate risk management.

DLA Piper’s global government affairs team also includes Lord (Edward) Garnier QC, the former UK solicitor-general; Lord (Andrew) Tyrie, the former chair of the parliamentary commission on banking standards and chair of the Commons’ Treasury select committee; and Lord (Gavin) Barwell, chief of staff to the Theresa May government from 2017-2019.

Mr Hogan will be based in DLA Piper’s government affairs team in Brussels, led by partner Richard Sterneberg. The Brussels practice is part of a global government affairs offering with other centres in Washington DC and London, servicing clients around the world.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Hogan said: “Global businesses are operating in increasingly challenging environments around the world, and this will only increase over the coming years.

“Their ability to understand and adapt to international public policy and societal trends will make the difference between success and failure and DLA Piper’s commitment to providing advice in this area is compelling.

“This is an exciting time to be joining a firm with a truly global reach and focus on the future needs of its clients.”

Simon Levine, DLA Piper’s global co-CEO and managing partner, sad: “Our clients are operating in increasingly complex political and regulatory environments, be it the growing focus on ESG considerations or rapidly changing global trade relationships.

“DLA Piper remains committed to offering world leading legal and strategic advice. I am delighted that Phil Hogan is joining us, and I am confident that his unique expertise, experience and perspective will be invaluable to our clients going forward.”

David Carthy, country managing partner for DLA Piper in Ireland, added: “I am delighted to welcome Phil Hogan to DLA Piper. In his role as a senior strategic and political advisor on DLA Piper’s global advisory and government affairs team, Mr Hogan will provide an incomparable level of strategic advice and counsel to clients, wherever they are in the world.

“Given the ever-evolving regulatory and business environments, the importance of understanding and affecting policies as they are developed at EU and International level is of the utmost importance to our clients.”