Mr Jackson, who has led the firm since 2016, will hand over at the beginning of 2026 to Mr Maher, head of the firm’s financial institutions group and co-head of its corporate department.

Mr Maher joined Matheson in 2003, having completed his law degree at University College Dublin (UCD), and has worked with the firm since.

Following his training, he initially worked in what was then the banking and financial services team, joining the firm’s financial institutions group — or “FIG” — on its establishment in 2010.

He was promoted to partner in 2012 and was appointed as head of the FIG in 2017, succeeding the late Tim Scanlon.

Most recently, in 2023, Mr Maher was appointed as co-head of the corporate department, alongside David Fitzgibbon.

Mr Jackson said: “I would like to warmly congratulate Darren on his appointment as managing partner from 1 January 2026 and wish him every success.

“As managing partner of Matheson for the past 10 years, I know what a great honour it is to lead a firm of talented and ambitious people who are trusted advisors to a sophisticated and internationally-focused client base.

“Over its 200-year history, Matheson has emerged as the law firm of choice for internationally-focused companies and financial institutions doing business in and from Ireland.

“Throughout his career at Matheson, Darren has shown a commitment to our values and an ability to build and engage multidisciplinary teams.

“He has a deep knowledge of our clients and the international markets in which they operate, a deep understanding of the Irish and global regulatory environment and is an internationally renowned and respected lawyer, having advised on numerous complex corporate and regulatory mandates throughout his career.

“I believe that all of these attributes mean that he is ideally positioned to lead Matheson through its next phase of growth.

“I am confident that the firm will continue to go from strength to strength under his leadership.”

He added: “I would like to thank all of our many clients, colleagues and friends for their continued support for the firm.

“I look back with great pride on the achievements of Matheson over the past 10 years and, more importantly, look forward with great anticipation and confidence to Darren’s tenure and the next phase of the firm’s growth.”

Mr Maher said: “I am delighted to have been appointed by my peers to lead Matheson during its next period of growth and development, and I am very much looking forward to the challenge.

“The market-leading position which Matheson holds today is the result of our long-term strategy of advising internationally-focused companies and financial institutions doing business in and from Ireland on the issues which impact them.

“In today’s rapidly changing business and geopolitical environment, clients require expert advice in order to succeed.

“I am confident that the culture of innovation and collaboration which we have built up over the course of our history will continue to position Matheson as the firm to which clients go for advice on the most complex and high-profile matters.”

He noted: “I would like to acknowledge the enormous contribution which Michael Jackson has made to the firm since he became managing partner in 2016 and to thank him for his guidance and relentless commitment to the firm.

“The significant growth which the firm has experienced under his tenure is a testament to his outstanding leadership and vision.

“I look forward to working closely with Michael for the rest of the year as I transition in to the new role.”