Corporate law firm A&L Goodbody has appointed Catherine Duffy as chairwoman. She is the first woman to hold the job in the firm’s history.

Ms Duffy, who is head of the firm’s aviation finance practice, succeeds Paul White, who has held the role for six years. The position is filled on a three-year term.

Mr White will stay on as partner in the firm.

Ms Duffy has more than 25 years experience at the law firm, and also serves as a non-executive director on the board of transport firm Irish Continental Group.

“Catherine is an outstanding lawyer and leader,” said Julian Yarr, managing partner at A&L Goodbody.

A&L Goodbody employs more than 700 people, with operations in Dublin, Belfast, London, New York, San Francisco and Palo Alto.