Mr D’Ardis brings nearly 20 years’ experience, having practised in international and Irish law firms as well as practising as a senior in-house counsel in a multinational insurance company.

He brings extensive expertise in insurance, reinsurance and financial regulation, with a strong track record advising on mergers and acquisitions for insurance undertakings.

Welcoming the appointment, David Widger, managing partner at ALG, said: “We have the largest, most experienced and longest established dedicated corporate insurance practice in Ireland.

“It works closely with other practices in corporate and financial services to advise both international and domestic insurance clients on all aspects of the industry.

“Stephen is a very welcome addition to this market-leading team.”

James Grennan, partner and head of ALG’s insurance group, added: “We’re seeing increased activity from clients in the insurance sector, and we expect that to continue.

“This activity includes consolidation in the market, new entrants investing in Ireland and the need for clients to understand and adapt to the evolving regulatory environment.

“Stephen’s experience and knowledge in all these areas will add to the tremendous strength and depth we already have in the practice.”