Former Linklaters advocacy head Mark Humphries (pictured) has been appointed as ombudsman to Lloyds of London.

Humphries took up the prestigious role on 1 April for an initial three-year period, taking responsibility for handling complaints against the corporation of Lloyd's of London or one of its members. He replaces Sir Robin Mountfield, former cabinet office permanent secretary.

Humphries will investigate and deal with complaints of mal-administration against the insurance and reinsurance market and will try to either mediate or make a ruling on the allegation.

The role is one of a number Humphries has taken up since he left Linklaters to set up his own Bristol-based disputes boutique Mark Humphries Ltd last September.

In January 2010 Humphries took up a four-year post as one of 14 members appointed onto the Solicitors Regulation Authority board.

In addition, Humphries was instructed at the end of last year to take on all professional indemnity work for Linklaters, defending the magic circle firm against any claims it may face. The move is an extension of the role he held at Linklaters, with Humphries still defending the firm in several cases.

Humphries, who joined Linklaters in 1986 and became partner in 1993, was one of the first solicitors to be granted higher rights of audience following the passing of the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990. He was the first solicitor to appear in a contested action in the English Commercial Court and one of the first to appear in the Court of Appeal.