Photo: John Disney/ALM

Herbert Smith Freehills has appointed Sydney-based partner Anna Sutherland to head its Australian disputes team.

Sutherland is a commercial litigator specialising in complex disputes and regulatory investigations. HSF said she advises clients on crisis management, regulatory and internal investigations, particularly across the energy and resources and financial services sectors.

"We are regularly called upon to assist our clients to navigate their most significant and challenging commercial issues, including in disputes, class actions and investigatory matters, as well as in cyber and other emerging sectors. The results that we have delivered across the spectrum have made us the go-to firm for major disputes and reputational issues in Australia," Sutherland said in a statement.

Sutherland will chair the firm's disputes leadership team in Australia, which comprises partners Liz Macknay, Geoff Hansen, Liz Poulos and Cameron Hanson.

Global head of disputes Justin D'Agostino said Sutherland has a strong record of identifying, supporting and developing talent.

"Anna is well known for fostering a strategic approach and in her role will look to champion an agenda of ongoing collaboration in Australia and around the world, to ensure we are supporting clients across our global network," he said.

Sutherland succeeds partner Luke Hastings, who held the position since 2015. Hastings remains with the firm.