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Herbert Smith Freehills has appointed Steve Bell and Samantha Brown as joint Managing Partners for the Employment, Pensions and Incentives (EPI) practice in Australia and Asia, and the US, UK and EMEA, respectively.

Ian Cox, Executive Partner, Practices at Herbert Smith Freehills, says: "Steve and Sam have already shown their strong leadership credentials heading up our teams in Australia and London, and are well-placed to jointly develop our market-leading global practice, building on our successes and driving the team forward in providing the best for our clients."

Samantha comments: "I am excited to take on the role of Managing Partner for the UK, US and EMEA. It is a fantastic opportunity to work with our leading teams in these jurisdictions as we continue to support our clients to navigate the challenges of an evolving workplace, increased regulation and public and shareholder scrutiny. I am looking forward to working with Steve to strengthen our global capabilities even further, and to challenge ourselves and our teams to develop increasingly creative and innovative legal solutions for our clients."

Steve adds: "It has been a genuine pleasure supporting Australia’s leading group of Industrial Relations and Employment partners over the last 12 months. I am delighted to be given this opportunity to now better connect our practice across Australia and Asia. Over the coming period, labour relations will be at the heart of how our clients emerge from the pandemic, in addition to the important reputational and social issues associated with how they treat and support their workers. Clients turn to our excellent teams for insight and expertise on these issues, and we are excited about the year ahead. I look forward working ever more closely with Sam as Managing Partner West to ensure we continue to work together seamlessly as a global team."

Key contacts

Steve Bell photo

Steve Bell

Managing Partner - Employment, Industrial Relations and Safety (Australia, Asia), Melbourne

Steve Bell
Samantha Brown photo

Samantha Brown

Managing Partner of EPI (West), London

Samantha Brown