A statement from HSF noted that partners are appointed “based on a range of rigorous criteria, including client needs and growth sectors for the firm, as well as the broader market”.

“Expertise, commerciality and strong leadership skills are also essential qualities for new partners,” the statement said.

In addition to these six promotions, the firm has revealed that Glynn Cooper has been promoted to its partnership. This promotion will see Mr Cooper relocate from Brisbane to the firm’s newest office in Kuala Lumpur, which is due to open its doors next month.

“I am proud to announce that these talented new partners will be joining our global partnership. Each have demonstrated remarkable technical skill and dedication to clients, and brings innovation and energy to the firm,” said Sue Gilchrist, Herbert Smith Freehills’ regional managing partner Australia and Asia.

“They are all incredibly well-deserving of their appointment, and I want to congratulate them and our other new global partners on this significant career achievement.

“We are also delighted at the opportunity for Glynn to join the partnership in our new Malaysian office. His relocation is an excellent example of the international career opportunities that we can offer our people as a result of the strength of our global network and our ability to mobilise talent for the benefit of our clients.”

Ms Gilchrist said the fact that three out of six Aussies promoted are project and finance experts reflects HSF’s deliberate and consistent growth within the infrastructure sector.

She noted that these new partners join five other infrastructure experts in Australia, promoted to the partnership in December 2016.

“These exceptionally talented new partners will further bolster our projects and project finance teams, enabling them to continue to deliver market-leading results on the most complex and essential infrastructure projects across Australia,” Ms Gilchrist said.

The other HSF staff that have been appointed to the firm’s partnership are in the UK and EMEA.

This includes Greig Anderson, who is based in the firm’s London disputes practice; Rachel Campbell, who is based in the firm’s Paris finance practice; Javier de Carvajal, who is based in the firm’s Madrid disputes practice; Paul Chases, who is based in the firm’s London real estate practice; David Coulling, Reza Dadbakhsh, Christopher Theris and Nish Dissanayake, who are all based in the firm’s London corporate practice; Libby Jackson, who is in the firm’s London Alternative Legal Services practice; Rachel Lidgate and Donny Surtani, who are both based in the firm’s disputes practice; and Nick May, who is based in the firm’s London finance practice.

Other appointments were also made in HSF’s Asia operations. Besides Mr Cooper who has been previously mentioned, Hannah Cassidy, who is based in the firm’s Hong Kong disputes practice; and Fatim Jumabhoy, who is based in the firm’s Singapore employment practice, have also been promoted to the partnership.