Linklaters has chosen not to appoint a new London disputes head with recently appointed global litigation chief Michael Bennett to continue to fill both roles.

Bennett (pictured), who also holds a position on the firm's executive committee, was appointed last month for a four-year term, having led the London litigation and arbitration practice since 2007. 

The decision not to appoint a new London disputes head is a further hint that the firm is looking to streamline its management structure.

The executive committee, which is chaired by global managing partner Simon Davies, also includes the global heads of two of the firm's other key sectors: corporate and finance/projects.

Linklaters did not have a London corporate head for a significant period after Jeremy Parr assumed both roles and an executive committee position in 2010.  

As one partner at the firm puts it: "That's just the three hats you wear".

Former Asia corporate chief Matthew Middleditch succeeded Parr in July, with Stuart Bedford taking the reins in London just four months after Parr appointed Sarah Wiggins into the post.