Linklaters has appointed Sarah Wiggins to lead the firm's London corporate practice, becoming the first female partner to take up the role.

Wiggins, who takes up the position today (1 May), replaces former London head Shane Griffin for a four-year term. The appointment was made by global practice head Jeremy Parr.

Wiggins has been a partner at Linklaters since 2000. She took a lead role for PricewaterhouseCooper (PwC) on its proposed takeover of management consulting firm Booz & Co at the end of last year. 

"I am very excited about the challenges the role offers and am cautiously optimistic that the market is improving," she said. "I am hoping to weave in our strategy of focusing on client care as well as improving diversity.

"Men and women do things differently and I think there is growing recognition across the City of the importance of diversity. It is not yet the norm for women to get these types of roles but things are improving."

Linklaters reshuffled its international board last month, with roles handed to two female partners. Christa Band took over from Greg Reid, covering the London commercial group, while London corporate partner Aedamar Comiskey replaced Tom Shropshire.

Elsewhere, as of today Penelope Warne becomes the first female senior partner at CMS Cameron McKenna while Sonya Leydecker takes up the role of joint CEO of Herbert Smith Freehills.