Herbert Smith elects new corporate chief

Herbert Smith is today expected to confirm Michael Walter as the new head of the firm’s corporate practice.

Walter will replace incumbent Caroline Goodall who decided not to stand for re-election following the completion of her five year term. Goodall took over from Richard Bond when he became senior partner in July 2000.

Meanwhile, Herbert Smith’s partnership council is also expected to endorse the appointment of Sonya Leydecker as the new head of the firm’s litigation practice. She will be replacing David Gold, who beat Richard Fleck to become Herbert Smith’s new senior partner.

Walter and Leydecker stood for their respective positions unopposed.

All three positions take effect from 1 April 2005.