Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has reshuffled its global corporate and litigation practice heads as the firm gears up for the election of a new senior partner in the new year.

German partner Rick van Aerssen will become the magic circle firm’s new corporate head, replacing Ed Braham as of 1 November. M&A specialist Braham has been tipped to succeed current senior partner Will Lawes, who is expected to stand down when his term ends next year