Herbert Smith Freehills has re-elected James Palmer as its senior partner and chair of the firm. He beat the head of disputes, partner Mark Shillito,  who stood against him. Commenting on the election, he said: 'I am delighted and greatly honoured to be taking on a second term as senior partner.  Our partners and staff continue to help the firm build its reputation and success, winning and helping clients around the world through a deep commitment to our service to them. I look forward to working with all our colleagues and our leadership team in pursuing our strategy and ambitions. The firm continues to perform well in our markets globally and remains superbly placed to strengthen still further.'

Business regulation

Mr Palmer has spent his entire career at the firm, having joined Herbert Smith in 1986 as a trainee. He became a partner in 1994, focusing on corporate transactions.  He was global head of corporate from 2010 to 2012. During 2002 to 2006 he was also a member of the Herbert Smith Partnership Council. Mr Palmer currently chairs TheCityUK's Legal Services Group and is a member of TheCityUK's Advisory Board and its senior Brexit steering committee. He has had extensive experience in the development of business regulation in the UK and EU and of working with governments and regulators on developing new law and regulation. He was deeply involved in the development of the Companies Act 2006, including the enactment of statutory directors' duties, as well as in developments to UK takeover law and regulation over the last twenty years, and the development of the UK listed company regulatory regime. He regularly advises clients such as BP, BAT, National Grid and the Weir Group.