He takes over from Andrew Salgo, who has held the position for the last four years.

Hambrett, who specialises in insolvency and joined the firm in 2004, will continue in his role of head of Bakers' Australian insolvency and corporate restructuring team, taking on his new role of chair part time.

He has worked as the general counsel of Singtel Optus and held other senior management positions within private practice firms.

He also currently sits on the boards of the Historic Houses Trust of NSW and Pacific Opera.