Georgia Dawson

Ms Dawson, who currently serves as the firm’s Asia managing partner and the leader of the Asia dispute resolution practice, will lead a new senior leadership team which will consist of Alan Mason, Rafique Bachour, and Rick van Aerssen.

The new team will succeed the current senior partner, Edward Braham, and managing partner Stephan Eilers, when it takes up its duties in January 2021.

Ms Dawson’s appointment has been seen as a positive move for diversity among the top magic circle firms, as she becomes the first woman to lead such a firm.

Mr Braham commented: “We are very excited that the leadership of the firm will be taken forward in January by such a highly regarded, dynamic leadership team. Georgia, Alan, Rafique and Rick have outstanding credentials to lead the continued growth and development of the firm, and we look forward to working closely with them to implement a smooth transition over the coming months.”

Ms Dawson added: “I am honoured to have been elected by my fellow partners, alongside Alan, Rafique and Rick. With this team we have broad experience and a diversity of perspectives, and a shared purpose and vision for Freshfields. We intend to preserve the very best of our culture, market leading practices and standards of client service while leading the firm into the next chapter of its long history.”