HSF names class action lead to replace Australia-bound partner…

HSF names class action lead to replace Australia-bound partner
Herbert Smith Freehills partner Alan Watt will lead the firm’s class actions team in the UK following the departure of Harry Edwards.

Edwards relocated to the firm’s Melbourne office in January for a three-year secondment to the Australian class actions team along with London colleague Gregg Rowan.

With the number of class actions in the UK set to increase, Watt is lauded as a “heavy-hitting litigation partner” and works with clients on all forms of dispute resolution including High Court litigation, arbitration and mediation proceedings.

Reed Smith partner re-elected to HK maritime board
Reed Smith partner Lianjun Li has been reappointed to the Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board for another two-year term that starts April 1, 2020.

Last November, Lianjun was a member of a Chinese delegation that went to the UN Commission on International Trade Law for drafting an international convention or instrument on Judicial Sale of Ships.

He has also been selected to be a panel arbitrator of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre.

New CEO announced for Dentons in South Africa
Dentons in South Africa has a new chief executive officer.

Zaeem Soofie is a former BP Group Leader and is an established and experienced practitioner and corporate general counsel.

The South Africa CEO role has been created by Noor Kapdi, the current Africa Region CEO and outgoing Managing Partner of South Africa, who wanted to give a significant leadership opportunity to an inspiring young leader.

Kapdi was South Africa managing partner for six years and will continue to lead the wider Africa region and chair the South Africa practice.