The firm, which expanded into Ireland in late 2018, said the announcement demonstrates its commitment to expanding its finance, corporate and capital markets capacity out of Dublin amid the increasing significance of the Irish legal market.

Ms Stanton joins from William Fry and will lead the growth of the firm’s finance and markets practice in Dublin, having been a partner at William Fry since 2008 and its head of banking for the last three years.

She has 20 years of experience advising international and domestic institutions and borrowers on financing transactions across all sectors including corporate, real estate and funds.

Mr Brangam joins the firm’s corporate team from LK Shields, where he was instrumental in setting up that firm’s London office and headed the healthcare group. He started his career in London in 2009 before returning to Ireland in 2013.

He has advised on many significant M&A, private equity and venture capital deals across a range of sectors with particular expertise in financial services, social infrastructure, TMT and energy.

Fionán Breathnach, country head for Simmons & Simmons Ireland, said: “Welcoming Rachel and David to the Simmons & Simmons banking and corporate teams in Dublin is a demonstration of our commitment to expanding partner capacity and expertise in Ireland.

“Bringing in two new partners who hold extensive relationships within the Irish and international markets is an important step in the planned development of the team’s banking, corporate, capital markets and structured finance offerings. Rachel and David will be instrumental in delivering our ambitious strategy in Ireland.”

Ms Stanton said: “I am delighted to be joining the Simmons Banking team. With its internationally-established reputation, it is uniquely placed amongst the firms located in Dublin to become a market-leading banking practice with the capacity to provide a premium service to international and domestic clients.”

Mr Brangam said: “Joining the market-leading corporate team at Simmons is a unique opportunity. Simmons’ international reach coupled with its global expertise in the key sectors driving M&A and investment activity in Ireland will provide international and domestic clients with unmatched capabilities and service levels.”