Ms Fannin joins the firm from Hayes Solicitors LLP, where she was a partner and led the data protection and privacy team. She brings more than 18 years’ experience advising high profile clients across data protection, commercial contracts, technology, artificial intelligence, consumer law and advertising and marketing regulation.

Pamela O’Neill, partner and Dublin managing partner said: “Laura’s appointment is another important step forward for our Dublin office and our continued growth in Ireland since integration. Ahead of our move to a new office, building partner level capability locally is key to strengthening our ability to support Irish clients, as well as international clients seeking joined up Irish, UK and European advice. Laura is an excellent cultural fit and brings deep experience in areas where client demand continues to accelerate.”

Ms Fannin added: “I’m delighted to be joining Eversheds Sutherland at such an exciting time for the firm in Ireland. The integrated international platform is a real draw for my practice, particularly as clients increasingly look for multi-jurisdictional advice across privacy, technology and commercial regulation. I’m looking forward to building the commercial offering in Ireland, working closely with colleagues across the firm and supporting clients on complex and fast evolving regulatory and commercial challenges.”

Mr Edwards joins from Shoosmiths, where he was a partner in the corporate team, and is a dual-qualified corporate lawyer (Northern Ireland and England & Wales) advising on mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital transactions, with a particular focus on the energy and technology sectors.

Gareth Planck, Belfast Senior Office Partner, Eversheds Sutherland, commented: “Bringing Grant into the partnership is a major milestone for our Northern Ireland business. We are committed to building a genuinely full service, market leading corporate capability in the region, and Grant’s strong local profile combined with his UK wide deal experience makes him ideally placed to help drive that ambition. His arrival significantly enhances our ability to support clients based and/or operating in Northern Ireland whilst also plugging seamlessly into our global corporate platform.”

Mr Edwards said: “I’m delighted to be joining Eversheds Sutherland at a time of clear ambition for the firm in Northern Ireland. The strength of the firm’s corporate practice, sector focus and international reach offers an unmatched opportunity to support clients on complex and increasingly cross border transactions, helping them realise their international growth ambitions.”