Herbert Smith's former senior partner David Gold is among a handful of lawyers to be made a life peer in the latest round of appointments announced today (19 November).

Gold (pictured) will take up his life peerage for the Conservative Party, with the appointment conferred by the Queen having been vetted by the House of Lords Appointments Commission.

Gold's links to the Conservatives include last year sitting on the party's scrutiny committee looking into its MPs' expense claims.

He will remain part of Herbert Smith's advocacy unit until his retirement on 30 April next year, following which he will set up a litigation consultancy business.

Gold has yet to decide on a name for the new business, which will offer advice to law firms and general counsel on strategy, settlements and mediation.

He will also continue to act as corporate monitor of BAE Systems, a role which he was appointed to by the Department of Justice this August. The role will last for a minimum of three years, during which time Gold will commit at least three days a month to it.

Gold said: "I am very honoured and thrilled to be appointed life peer. I have worked closely with the Conservative Party for a while – they are a strong team and I want to help them as best as I can."

He added: "I am also setting up the consultancy business to provide strategic advice to parties in litigation as I think that there is a demand in the market for this type of offering. It fits in beautifully with the schedules of my other responsibilities."

In addition, high-profile Payne Hicks Beach family partner Fiona Shackleton has been made a Conservative life peer. She is solicitor to Princes William and Harry and was appointed to the rank of LVO in the 2006 New Year's honours list.

Meanwhile, 4 Pump Courts Jonathan Marks QC has also been made a life peer for the Liberal Democrat Party. Marks is a commercial and family law barrister with a particular focus on human rights and constitutional reform.

Other former Herbert Smith partners to receive life peerages include Lawrence Collins and Garry Hart, who were appointed in 2009 and 2004 respectively.