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Mid-tier firm Hicksons | Hunt & Hunt | Holman Webb Lawyers has appointed the former chief of staff of BigLaw firm Baker McKenzie as its new chief operating officer.
Rita Derrick (pictured) has been named chief operating officer at Hicksons | Hunt & Hunt | Holman Webb Lawyers (Hicksons), bringing nearly two decades of leadership experience from prominent law firms to the mid-tier firm.
Before taking on this role, Derrick most recently served as chief of staff at BigLaw firm Baker McKenzie, a position she held on two separate occasions for a combined total of more than three years.
In a statement, the mid-tier firm expressed how she brings with her a strong financial background and extensive experience in commercial operations and business advisory.
Cameron Leaver, managing partner of Hicksons, said Derrick’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the firm, emphasising that her unique combination of financial acumen and hands-on operational experience across complex professional services will be central to strengthening and expanding the business.
“Rita’s appointment comes at an exciting time of growth for the firm. She brings a rare combination of deep financial expertise and hands-on operational leadership,” Leaver said.
“Her experience across complex professional services environments, including senior roles in strategy, finance, and firm operations, will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen the business.
“We are delighted to welcome Rita to the firm as we continue our ambitious growth plans and look forward to the contribution she will make as chief operating officer.”
Speaking about her new role, Derrick shared her enthusiasm for joining the firm at a time of significant growth, adding that she is eager to leverage her experience to enhance governance, support sustainable growth, and ensure exceptional results for both clients and employees.
“I am excited to be joining the firm at a pivotal moment of expansion and where operational excellence and strong commercial foundations are more important than ever,” Derrick said.
“Throughout my career, I have worked closely with leadership teams to translate strategy into action, strengthen governance, and support sustainable growth.
“I look forward to applying my experience across finance, operations, and advisory to help the firm continue to deliver outstanding outcomes for its clients and people.”
This news follows the firm’s promotion of 10 lawyers, including four to senior associate and six to associate, at the end of January.
