Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has named finance partner Simon Johnson as the firm’s new trainee recruitment partner, replacing UK corporate chief Mark Rawlinson.

Rawlinson, who took up the role in February 2008, has bought in 14 new partners to Freshfields’ interview panel, with each dedicating about 100 hours a year to interviewing candidates and establishing stronger links with universities. At the time of his appointment he said he would spend around 500 hours per year on the job.