Linklaters has hired a new global human resources (HR) director following the departure of longstanding HR chief Jill King earlier this year.

Chris Lynch, who is joining the magic circle firm from Herbert Smith, will start her new role in February 2011. Her remit will include the development of the firm's people strategy, diversity initatives, and identifying and supporting talent within the firm.

At Herbert Smith, where Lynch had held the role of global HR head since 2008, she focused on talent and performance management.

Commenting on the appointment, chief finance and operations officer Peter Hickman said: "Chris is an enthusiastic and dynamic professional, with strong leadership skills and a team-oriented approach. She is a valuable addition to our business services leadership team and will bring considerable experience and expertise to this critical role."

King retired from Linklaters in October this year, several months after the magic circle firm lost its London HR head – and second-in-command – Caroline Rawes, who left to join Taylor Wessing a similar role.