XXIV Old Buildings has appointed Withers litigation partner Sue Medder as its director of chambers.

Medder joined Withers in 1998 and became a partner in 2008 in the firm's contentious trust and succession group. She specialises in all types of offshore and domestic trust and probate disputes.

Her recruitment is a rare example of the Bar looking to private practice to fill a top management role.

Last October, Pump Court hired former Clifford Chance lawyer Katherine Surgeoner to join its management team in a newly created senior role

XXIV Old Buildings is a leading commercial chancery set, with expertise in aviation, commercial litigation, commercial and traditional chancery, company, civil fraud, insolvency and international arbitration.

Alan Steinfeld QC, joint head of Chambers, said: "Sue's communication skills, client care and knowledge of the legal market will be of enormous benefit to the strategic development of XXIV. She is exceptionally well equipped to enhance and develop XXIV's domestic and international reputation as leading advisors and litigators."

Medder (pictured) added: "Having worked with the barristers and staff at XXIV, I have always been very impressed with their legal expertise, client management and innovative approach. I am looking forward to putting my knowledge and experience to use in my new role as Chambers' Director, and helping shape and drive the future strategy and growth of Chambers."

Margaret Robertson, managing director of Withers said: "Sue has played an integral role in the ongoing achievements of our market-leading contentious trust and succession group. Whilst we are sorry to see her go, we wish her every success in her change of role as Chambers' director."