Burges Salmon appoints corporate head

Bristol-based Burges Salmon has appointed a new head of its corporate and financial institutions group, its largest practice.

Banking partner Sandra Forbes takes over from incumbent of five years Roger Hawes, who returns to a full-time fee earning role.

Forbes joined the South West big-hitter in 1991 from legacy firm Frere Cholmeley, now part of Eversheds. She also sits on the firm’s partnership committee. She became a partner in 1996.

The 65-lawyer corporate and financial institutions group includes the corporate finance, banking, pensions and employment teams.

Forbes is the firm’s first-ever female department head.

Forbes added: “I think Burges Salmon is very committed to diversity and equal opportunities and this very much demonstrates that.”