Our new head of global disputes and new London head of commercial litigation

Herbert Smith Freehills has today announced the appointment of partner Justin D'Agostino as Global Head of Dispute Resolution. Justin will commence the new role from 1 May 2014 for a period of 4 years. He will replace Sonya Leydecker, who has been appointed joint CEO of the firm with effect from 1 May.

Justin is a high profile disputes partner and has spent his entire legal career with the firm. He has worked in London, Singapore, Bangkok and, most recently, Hong Kong from where he has helped to build the leading international arbitration practice in Asia and is regularly singled out by clients, peers and the legal directories as a leader in his field. As Global Head of Practice, Justin will continue to be based in Hong Kong. He will be supported in the management of the practice by the Regional Heads, including Mark Shillito for the UK/US.

Herbert Smith Freehills also announced today that, in London, partner Tim Parkes has been appointed to lead the general commercial litigation practice. Tim is one of the London market's leading litigation practitioners with more than 20 years' experience. Tim's new responsibilities will be in addition to running his highly successful practice and his ongoing role in developing Herbert Smith Freehills' new Germany and New York offices. Tim will work closely with the firm's disputes management team and other practice area leaders to support Justin in his new role.