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Herbert Smith Freehills partner Luke Hastings has been appointed Regional Head of Practice for Australia's disputes team.
Herbert Smith Freehills partner Luke Hastings has been appointed Regional Head of Practice for Australia’s disputes team.
The high-profile contentious regulatory lawyer has been appointed for a four year term following the move of former Regional Head of Practice, Geoff McClellan, to the role of Managing Partner, Clients and Sectors.
Fostering a truly global mindset and supporting diversity and inclusion within the disputes team will be Luke’s key priorities.
“On all measures, Herbert Smith Freehills is the market-leading disputes practice in Australia and I am delighted to be leading such an exceptional team,” Luke said.
“One of my key priorities will be to enhance collaboration between the Australian disputes team and Herbert Smith Freehills’ offices around the globe, particularly in the Asia Pacific region.
“As a financial services regulatory specialist, the key clients I assist are international financial institutions so my instinct is to think global. I want this mindset to become innate to the Australian disputes team so we can ensure a collaborative approach to our clients globally and continue to provide them with an exceptional experience.
“Another area I am passionate about is supporting diversity and flexible work options for the Australian disputes team. We need to ensure our lawyers have supportive environments that help them thrive.
“This is not simply a gender issue, it is an issue which goes to the heart of our culture in the sense that flexibility is something everyone seeks as they strive to balance their work and personal lives,” Luke said.
“Another important focus will be on creating a culture of inclusion where people feel able to bring their ‘whole selves’ to work, this is essential if we are able to bring innovative solutions to increasingly complex client issues.”
Global Head of Disputes, Justin D'Agostino, said Luke was an excellent appointment and would bring drive, energy and commitment to the role.
“Luke has clear ambitions for our market-leading disputes practice in Australia, as well as a desire to further engage and connect the practice group across the global network,” Justin said.
”Luke is a leading contentious regulatory lawyer with an impressive market profile and his new role will see him continue to work with clients.”