Joining Bakers on 2 August 2010, Freeland will succeed Mark Chapple who has held the position since September 2005. Chapple will remain a partner of the firm.

Freeland's recent roles have included a stint in Beijing advising one of China's leading law firms, King & Wood, as well as consulting and senior management positions with The Boston Consulting Group in Australia and New York. In February, he was appointed the chair-elect of the Sydney Festival's new board.

"We are very pleased that Chris is bringing his considerable talents to join our Australian team...We welcome the opportunity to continue to develop our provision of strategic and valued legal advice to our clients in Australia and across the globe with Chris' insight and skills," said Baker & McKenzie executive committee chairman, John Conroy.