Global law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (‘Freshfields’) has appointed Mark Sansom as its new London managing partner, effective 1 May 2023. Sansom will succeed Claire Wills who has completed her term. As London managing partner, Sansom will play a key role in overseeing the firm’s strategic priorities and business in London, as well as continuing his client work. Sansom has served in several leadership roles at Freshfields, including as head of the London disputes practice and joint leadership of the firm’s global antitrust litigation group. He is recognised as a top-tier competition litigator, having acted on the defence of many of the leading antitrust damages cases and class actions in the UK and beyond. Claire Wills is a longstanding partner at Freshfields, and has built a successful cross-border practice, covering mergers and acquisitions, complex restructurings, joint ventures and governance projects for some of the firm’s most important clients. During her four-year term as London managing partner, Claire has guided the firm through significant milestones, including its response to the COVID pandemic and a move to an award-winning office. The London business has seen substantial revenue growth and evolved many aspects of its people proposition. This has included adapting the firm’s approach to agile working, parental leave, family-forming benefits, menopause and pregnancy loss support which will endure beyond her tenure. Senior partner Georgia Dawson commented: “I am delighted to share news of Mark’s appointment to London managing partner. Mark is a longstanding trusted adviser at the firm and is committed to driving forward our strategic vision, alongside continuing his leading client practice. I would also like to thank Claire for her outstanding leadership of our London business over the last four years.” Mark Sansom added: “It’s an honour to be asked to undertake this role.  Our London business is one of the firm’s key engines for growth and for delivery of global client relationships and successes. I look forward to working with our talented London colleagues and overseeing the development of the next generation of diverse talent at Freshfields.” Claire Wills said: “It’s been a huge privilege to serve as the London managing partner. We’ve achieved strong growth and made great progress in creating an even more inclusive culture. I know Mark will be a fantastic successor to steer our market-leading practice, and I’m really looking forward to returning to full-time client practice with all the benefits of an amazing experience.”