Irish firm Arthur Cox has announced the appointment of senior partner Orla O’Connor as the firm’s next chairperson. She will take up the position on 1 May,.

First woman chair

Ms O’Connor is to succeed Ciarán Bolger who is completing his six year term and will be returning to full time practice. She is the first woman to be appointed as chairperson of the firm, which commenced practice in 1920 at 5 St Stephen’s Green, formed by two partners, Arthur Cox and John McAreavey. Today the firm has over 500 legal staff and a total headcount of over 850, servicing a range of international clients ranging from multinational organisations, banks and financial institutions and established global leaders to government agencies and new players in emerging industry sectors.

Joined in 1992

Ms O’Connor, who joined the firm as a trainee solicitor in 1992 and has been a partner since 2000, is a partner in the firm’s Finance Group, a member of the firm’s Financial Regulatory Group and has served on the firm’s Management Committee. She advises on bank reorganisations and asset disposals, and on a wide range of regulatory issues relating to payments, electronic money, anti-money laundering, mortgage arrears and consumer credit. The outgoing chairperson Ciarán Bolger said, ‘I am delighted that someone of Orla’s calibre is taking over as chairperson of this firm. Orla has been an outstanding partner in our Finance Group. Her appointment as Chair is an endorsement of her personal qualities and professional ability. We have no doubt that the firm will continue to thrive under her leadership.’