Ashurst will appoint James Collis as managing partner from 1 May 2012. Collis, 41, trained at Ashurst and became a partner in 2005. He is currently a banking partner in Paris, with particular expertise in cross-border acquisition finance and restructuring transactions. He succeeds Simon Bromwich who has stepped down to become head of the firm's dispute resolution practice.

"This is an incredibly exciting time to be taking over as managing partner,” said Collis of his appointment. “I look forward to working with my colleagues globally to ensure that we fully capitalise on our strengths across the firm's international network. Ashurst has recently undergone a period of transformational growth and I hope to both consolidate and build upon that in the future."

In a separate move, the firm also announced that partner Logan Mair is taking on an additional role, based in London, of client and practice development partner. In this role Mair will work closely with senior partner Charlie Geffen and Collis, as well as practice and regional heads, to help further facilitate the integration between Ashurst offices and practices. This is a role which he is already performing in relation to Ashurst in Australia. He will continue to remain actively involved with clients in the firm's market-leading projects and infrastructure business.

Ashurst Australia will retain its current management structure until full financial integration.