Corrs partner and CEO John Denton said he was confident Handicott would bring the same success and commitment to the position that she had brought to her legal career.

Handicott has more than two decades of experience in mergers and acquisitions and was a member of the Takeovers Panel for nine years.

Handicott succeeds Corrs partner John Kelly, who stood down from the position and continues his full-time practice as a senior partner with the firm.

There are currently three women on the Corrs board and this is the first time the chair is a woman.

The Corrs board has eight board members, including two external appointments.

Handicott's appointment will last for four years.