Ms Ryan joins Carson McDowell from a healthcare defence firm in Cork and brings extensive experience acting for State bodies, public hospitals, and private healthcare providers in complex and high-value healthcare litigation actions before the Irish courts.

She is also an experienced advocate acting on behalf of healthcare clients and clinicians before the Coroner’s Court.

Commenting on the appointment, partner and Dublin office head Sinead Keavey said: “I am delighted to welcome Deirdre to our team.

“She brings a wealth of knowledge, technical expertise and experience to the table and I am looking forward to working closely with her as we develop and enhance our client offering.

“Deirdre’s contribution to the leadership of the Dublin team will be a considerable asset to our solicitors.”

Jacqueline McAleese, head of clinical claims (NI and Ireland), added: “We are pleased to expand our unrivalled all-island healthcare team with the appointment of a new partner. Deirdre’s experience will reinforce our position as the preferred legal advisor for the healthcare sector.”

Ms Ryan said: “I have been extremely impressed by the enthusiastic and innovative healthcare team at Carson McDowell. They possess a deep understanding of the healthcare landscape in Ireland and have built a well-deserved reputation.

“I am delighted to be working with the team in Dublin and the wider healthcare team across the island of Ireland.”

Since establishing its Dublin office in 2016, Carson McDowell has steadily grown its footprint in the region.

The appointments of Sinead Keavey as partner and head of the Dublin office in 2020 and partner Kathleen Byrne in 2022 have been instrumental in building a team now comprising over 30 professionals.