Financial services partner and commodities and shipping group co-head Kate Sherrard will lead the office, which will focus on building around core strengths including commodities and shipping, international trade, international dispute resolution, government investigations and sanctions.

Welcoming the news, the firm’s Ireland managing partner Dennis Agnew said: “Switzerland and the EU are important trading partners and Switzerland and Ireland enjoy a long-standing history of mutual investment.

“Our new Geneva office positions the firm in another key European jurisdiction where many of our clients do business and resolve disputes.”

Mark Ruehlmann, chair and global CEO of Squire Patton Boggs, said: “Switzerland is an important global hub for commerce, policy and international disputes where we already have many existing relationships.

“Our new Geneva office is an affirmation of our commitment to meeting the multi-jurisdictional needs of clients doing business in major international commercial centres.”

Steve Mahon, global managing partner for clients and strategy, added: “With a strong and diverse economy that dovetails with several core areas of our global practice, including chemicals, pharma and banking, Geneva fits naturally into our global network of offices.

“Kate is a strong leader with extensive local business connections. We are excited to hit the ground running.”

European managing partner Jonathan Jones said: “Our European practice has grown at a double-digit pace over the last several years and we remain committed to investing in our future.”