Herbert Smith Freehills partner Anna Sutherland has been appointed Regional Head of Practice for the firm’s market-leading Australian disputes team.
The appointment is for a term of three years, effective 1 October 2019.
Based in the firm’s Sydney office, Anna is an experienced commercial litigator specialising in complex disputes and regulatory investigations. Anna has a wealth of experience in advising clients around crisis management, regulatory and internal investigations, particularly across the energy and resources and financial services sectors. She succeeds partner Luke Hastings who held the position since 2015.
"Under Luke’s stewardship, the practice has achieved great success, and it is an honour to be given the opportunity to continue that success,” Ms Sutherland said.
“We are regularly called upon to assist our clients navigate their most significant and challenging commercial issues, including in disputes, class actions and investigatory matters, as well as in cyber and other emerging sectors. The results that we have delivered across the spectrum have made us the go-to firm for major disputes and reputational issues in Australia.”
“I am looking forward to supporting the team to build upon that success and continue to collaborate, innovate and adapt to our clients' needs going forward.”
Ms Sutherland will chair the firm’s disputes leadership team in Australia comprising partners Liz Macknay, Geoff Hansen, Liz Poulos and Cameron Hanson, each bringing substantial market experience to Herbert Smith Freehills’ disputes practice.
Herbert Smith Freehills’ Global Head of Disputes, Justin D'Agostino, said Anna has a strong record of identifying, supporting and developing talent.
“Anna is well known for fostering a strategic approach and in her role will look to champion an agenda of on-going collaboration in Australia and around the world to ensure we are supporting clients across our global network.
“She is an exceptional litigator with an impressive track record of delivering for clients both in Australia and internationally.
“Anna brings with her a wealth of client and market experience, and she will continue to focus on our clients in her new role.”