Freshfields picks Rome partner as new Italy chief

Salonico, who joined the magic circle firm in 2000, has been voted in for a three-year term.

The appointment coincides with the election of finance partner Emiliano Conio to the new role of co-managing partner for the Milan base.

Salonico, who also co-ordinates the firm’s energy, natural resources and infrastructure sector group, replaces Longo, a real estate partner. Longo will now return to full-time fee earning following three years in charge of the Italy offices.

The Milan office will now be jointly run by Salonico and Milan-based Conio, with the latter appointed to the role to assist Salonico because the new Italy chief’s base is in Rome.

The Rome outpost, meanwhile, does not have a dedicated office head, with Salonico acting as chief of both offices in the country.

Longo joined the magic circle firm from domestic outfit Chiomenti Studio Legale in 2001 (19 November 2001). His move, along with three other partners, closely followed the local firm’s failed merger talks with Freshfields (15 January 2001).

Senior partner Will Lawes said in a statement: “Italy is and will remain a key component of the firm’s global network and in Tommaso and Emiliano we have a strong leadership team who are committed to enhancing our offering to our Italian clients and to our international clients investing in Italy.”