Freshfields installs Jones as new London chief

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has overhauled its management team, with current London head of corporate Tim Jones being promoted to head the London management committee.

Jones will assume responsibility for the 890-lawyer office. Although not officially office managing partner, the firm says there is the possibility of that role being created
for him.

Jones landed the job after board-level consultation. The position has no set term. He takes over as head of the London office from chief executive Ted Burke. Burke will continue to hold his firmwide role.

Jones told The Lawyer: “It’s recognition that Ted needs to concentrate on firmwide matters. Importantly, it’s also to make sure that London is working efficiently in its role as an international hub; it’s such a driver for emerging markets.”

Jones said he wanted to improve communication with simple ideas, such as moving related teams into the same building. He will also concentrate on recruitment.

Peter Jeffcote remains firmwide managing partner. Freshfields also has two senior partners: Konstantin Mettenheimer in Frankfurt and London-based Guy ­Morton.

No new London head of ­corporate has been named, although Jones said that there would be further consultation on the matter.