Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) head of advocacy Ian Gatt QC has quit the firm to become a partner at Stewarts Law.
His exit comes around a decade after Gatt launched HSF’s advocacy unit – the first of its kind at a major full-service firm.
Gatt joined HSF in 2005 from Littleton Chambers along with Murray Rosen QC of 11 Stone Buildings. Rosen left HSF in 2014 to return to the bar at 4 New Square.
Gatt was called to the bar in 1985 and was appointed QC in 2002. He specialises in multijurisdictional disputes and issues relating to foreign substantive and procedural law.
A HSF spokesperson said: “We can confirm that Ian Gatt QC is retiring from the partnership. We thank him for his contribution to the firm and wish him well for the future.”
Tom Leech QC and litigation partner Adam Johnson will now lead HSF’s advocacy unit. Leech joined the firm in 2014 following Rosen’s resignation. He specialises in arbitration and mediation.
Johnson specialises in cross-border disputes and international law issues such as asset tracing and injunctions. He also works as HSF’s corporate responsibility partner.
HSF recently restructured its senior leadership team and is expected to elect Mark Rigotti as its first sole CEO. Rigotti is currently the firm’s co-CEO alongside Sonia Leydecker. His term, which will start in May, will run for three years.
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