She will continue to lead the practice across Asia Pacific and will divide her time between Asia and Australia.

Tony Holland, managing partner Australia, said the relocation is indicative of the movement of the firm's people across its global platform. He said he encourages such moves at all levels of practice.

Walsh said: "We are all aware of the ever growing links between Australia and Asia. As part of this, our clients increasingly require truly regional support for all of their legal needs including those relating to their people. Our Sydney office is well placed to form the Australian hub for the employment law needs of our Australian-based clients in the same way that Hong Kong is used as a hub in Asia, with both teams working together across the region.

"The majority of my clients based in Asia have Asia Pacific responsibilities, so I look forward to continuing to assist them and facilitate additional local relationships from my new base in Australia."

Walsh has been a dedicated employment lawyer since 1992, having practised as both a barrister and a solicitor in England before her admission as a solicitor in Hong Kong. She has a focus on multi-jurisdictional work as well as staffing issues arising from mergers and acquisitions, other reorganisations and out-sourcing situations.