Rice takes top finance job at Linklaters as Tucker returns to client work

Linklaters has appointed structured finance and securitisation partner Jim Rice head of its finance and projects division, replacing John Tucker.

Rice keeps his position as global capital markets head alongside the new role, which he will hold for four years. He will also sit on the magic circle firm’s executive committee.

Tucker returns to full-time client work following his four years as finance and projects head.

The division covers banking, capital markets, projects, financial regulatory, restructuring and insolvency.

Linklaters managing partner Simon Davies said: “Jim has an outstanding track record in both practice and management and I look forward to working with him to build on John’s achievements, as we continue to deepen relationships with our clients and strengthen our reputation.”

Separately, the firm is also in the process of appointing a global head of banking to replace Robert Elliott, who leaves the role down in October to become senior partner.

London partners Tom Wells, Gideon Moore and Hong Kong partner Trevor Clark are all in the running after Amsterdam managing partner Martijn Koopal pulled out (4 July 2011).