Australian commercial law firm, Freehills has appointed its Singapore-based special counsel Simon Taskunas to the partnership as part of a year-end intake for high-fliers.

The firm’s managing partner Gavin Bell said that appointing lawyers into the partnership at the end of a calendar year is an exception to the normal rule. The firm’s normal round of promotions are in June.

“These new partners are exceptional, bringing strong leadership skills and a real commitment to delivering innovative and cost-effective solutions for our clients,” he added.

Taskunas, a corporate real estate specialist, was seconded to Singapore in July 2006 to drive the firm’s international push. The firm also promoted Sydney-based litigation lawyer Michelle Fox and Perth-based corporate lawyer Simon Reed into partnership.