Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has appointed litigator Adam Siegel as its US managing partner, succeeding corporate partner Julian Pritchard whose term is nearing an end.

Siegel will take up a three year term from 30 April when Pritchard's tenure comes to a close.

Siegel joined Freshfields in 2009 from Covington & Burling along with fellow partner Aaron Marcu to launch a US litigation practice for the magic circle firm. He is currently co-head of Freshfields' global investigations practice.

Prior to joining Covington he was an assistant US attorney in the criminal division of the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, where he served as deputy chief and chief appellate attorney.

Freshfields' senior partner Will Lawes said: "Adam is not only an outstanding litigator, but a natural leader too. He has been one of the architects of our highly successful global investigations practice and has been an integral part of the recent growth of our disputes practice in the US and beyond.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Julian Pritchard for his terrific leadership of our US business over the last 5 years. He has led our US team during a period of significant expansion and success – in that period our US practice has more than doubled in size."

Last week Freshfields named corporate partner Julian Long as its new London managing partner, succeeding Mark Rawlinson who stepped down from the role in December.