Arnold & Porter has appointed white collar defence partner Kathleen Harris as the new head of its London office.

Harris has been at the firm since 2011 and is co-chair of the firm's anti-corruption practice. She is the first Black woman to have held the role, the firm confirmed.

In 2019, Harris was ranked as one of the top women white collar crime lawyers by Chambers & Partners.

Speaking on being the first Black woman in the role, Harris said: "I have worked extremely hard throughout my career. My appointment is very exciting and I am certain many others will follow in my footsteps. I wish to be seen as an ambassador for everyone who has jumped the hurdles to recognition."

In a statement, firm chairman Richard M. Alexander, said: "I am grateful for Kathleen's willingness to take on this important responsibility and I look forward to working more closely with her as we continue to move forward with implementing our strategic initiatives for the London office in the months and years ahead."

Harris added: "I couldn't be more excited to assume this new role and to have the opportunity to help shape the future of Arnold & Porter's London office.

"This is a transformative time for the entire legal industry with so many unprecedented challenges ahead. I'm looking forward to bringing my energy and vision to meet these challenges."

In June,  U.K. firm RPC appointed a new senior leadership team, handing a second term to its incumbent managing partner James Miller and electing a new senior partner.

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