Norton Rose has appointed the global heads of its three core practice groups ahead of its merger with Texan firm Fulbright & Jaworski next month.

London-based European corporate head Martin Scott will now oversee the firm's global corporate, M&A and securities group, taking over from Hong Kong-based David Stannard.

Stannard, who will continue at the firm as a partner, has held the role of global corporate head since 2011, when he succeeded Tim Marsden.

Meanwhile, global head of banking Jeremy Edwards will retain his role, while Fulbright Manhattan chief Linda Addison will step into the role of head of dispute resolution and litigation, succeeding City-based Deirdre Walker, who has held the position since 2009.

Walker will now become head of the firm's European, Middle East and Asian disputes practice, and will remain on the firm's executive committee alongside Stannard. Scott and Addison have also been added to the committee.

The appointments come into effect on 3 June, when the merged firm takes on the name of Norton Rose Fulbright.

Global chief executive Peter Martyr, who will become chief executive of Norton Rose Fulbright, said: "Dispute resolution and litigation; corporate, M&A and securities and banking and finance will continue to be key strengths for Norton Rose Fulbright globally, in conjunction with our existing six key industry strengths.

"I am pleased to confirm Linda, Martin and Jeremy will lead these principal areas of expertise for the firm globally, in line with our global management structure."

The firm has not yet announced the leaders of its six main sector groups or its other practices. Fulbright chair Ken Stewart will manage the merged firm's US arm and join the executive committee.