UK firm Simmons & Simmons has appointed Fionán Breathnach, a former partner at Mason Hayes & Curran (MHC), to head up a new Dublin office in response to Brexit.

According to the Law Society Gazette in England and Wales, the new office will focus on asset management clients and investment funds clients, particularly fund formation and regulatory issues.

Mr Breathnach was a partner in MHC’s financial services team and head of its investment funds and financial regulation teams.

A Simmons & Simmons spokesperson told the Gazette: “Establishing a presence in Ireland allows the firm to operate in a market that is becoming increasingly important for its clients following the Brexit vote; it also reinforces Simmons & Simmons’ position as one of the leading asset management firms in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.”

The firm has not yet announced when the Dublin office will open.