Ms Allgrove brings a wealth of experience to the top job, having been at Baker McKenzie for 28 years and working across the firm’s London, Paris, Singapore and Sydney offices.

She currently serves as global chair of the firm’s intellectual property and technology practice group, chair of the inclusion and diversity committee (Australia), member of the finance committee and member of the Australian management committee.

Current national managing partner at Baker McKenzie, Anthony Foley, congratulated Ms Allgrove on her appointment.

“Anne-Marie exemplifies the best of Baker McKenzie. After growing up in different parts of the world and serving as an associate on the High Court of Australia, Anne-Marie joined us as a graduate, and through her extraordinary talent, commercial acumen and hard work, she has become recognised by clients and the market as a leading lawyer in IP, data and technology,” he said.

“Anne-Marie is a globally connected, empathetic and inspiring leader, and she has been a pioneer in championing inclusion and diversity in our firm and communities.

“Anne-Marie’s appointment comes at an exciting time for our firm, and I’m confident that she will continue our growth and impact in the Australian market in years to come.”

Ms Allgrove said she was excited about the opportunity to lead the firm.

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“It’s a great honour. We have a unique offering in the market supporting our local and global clients on their most significant projects leveraging the strength of our practice and industry specialists and our global platform,” she said.

“I am very proud of the firm. I look forward to working with our people and clients to continue to support their (and the firm’s) growth and success in an ever-changing market. I am excited for what the future holds and the opportunity to ensure others have the opportunities and successes I have had at the firm.

“Hopefully, my appointment (and the recent appointment of other women to senior leadership roles in the legal profession) further contributes to normalising the advancement of women to senior leadership positions. Whilst the first of something is, of course, notable, I look forward to a time when the gender of our leaders is completely unremarkable. That said, we have a long way to go, and if my appointment helps to demonstrate what’s possible for women in our firm, or elsewhere, I am pleased.”

Ms Allgrove also thanked Mr Foley for his work as national managing partner, noting the strong example he set during his tenure.

“Anthony has taken our firm forward in great strides. Under his calm and considered leadership over the last six years, we have navigated a global pandemic, assembled and grown a first-class group of lawyers and enjoyed multiple years of record revenue growth,” she said.

“On a personal level, I have worked for many years with Anthony and am grateful for his ongoing support.”