Ms Neal has practised in financial services regulation in both Australia and London, where she was with Hogan Lovells' financial institutions group.

She has experience advising providers of financial services on product development, regulatory compliance, privacy and a range of other matters.

Gadens Sydney chairman Paul Armstrong suggested the appointment would deepen the firm’s financial services expertise.

“Ruth’s appointment will add considerable strength to our financial products and services offering and will enhance our ability to service both local and international industry participants, which is particularly important as Gadens works towards a combination with global law firm Dentons and Singapore firm Rodyk this year,” he said.

Ms Neal also indicated that the forthcoming merger had been a factor in her decision, describing it as a “very exciting time for the firm”.

Gadens also recently announced the appointment of a new construction specialist, Alastair Oxbrough, previously of MolinoCahill Lawyers.