Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) has named Hong Kong-based Julian Copeman as Greater China Managing Partner, after his predecessor, Justin D’Agostino, was appointed global head of disputes in May.

Additionally, HSF appointed partner Brenda Horrigan as head of its Shanghai office and partner Tom Chau as head of its Beijing office.

Copeman joined HSF in 1992, and is a solicitor advocate in English courts and an accredited mediator with the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution.

Horrigan joined the firm in 2012, and specialises in international arbitration, especially advising multinationals operating in the Chinese mainland.

Chau plays a leading role in advising China-related transactions, and will continue to work on corporate practice in Greater China.

The HSF has three Greater China offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong which have around 300 staff, including 27 partners and 100 other fee-earners.