Eversheds Sutherland boosts its international services

Laura Fannin joins Eversheds Sutherland from Hayes Solicitors, where she was a partner and led the data protection and privacy team

Pamela O’Neill, Dublin managing partner, Eversheds Sutherland; Laura Fannin, partner.

Law firm Eversheds Sutherland has appointed Laura Fannin as a partner, adding to the services it offers Irish and international clients on complex cross-border matters, notably in relation to privacy, technology and regulation.

Laura is the third partner hired since the integration of its Irish practice into the firm’s international business. The firm is seeing rising client demand in areas such as AI, digital regulation and technology driven commercial advice.

Based in the firm’s Dublin office, Laura joins the firm from Hayes Solicitors, 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.” 

Laura’s practice covers a broad range of commercial advisory work, including data protection and privacy compliance, regulatory investigations, data breach management, international data transfers, complex commercial contracts, technology agreements, and advice on digital regulation, including the EU AI Act and the Digital Services Act.

She is also widely recognised for her expertise in advertising and marketing law, advising both brands and agencies on regulatory compliance and copy clearance.

Laura said: “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.” 

Following the appointment of tax partner Robert Dever and employment partner Mary Gavin in December, Laura’s appointment marks another milestone in the continued growth of Eversheds Sutherland’s Dublin office — which is set to relocate to the Cadenza building in Dublin 2 later this year.