Lawyers from Allen & Overy (A&O) and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer have become the second and third solicitors in history to be appointed directly to the High Court bench from private practice.

Ed Murray, the co-founder of A&O’s derivatives practice, has been assigned by the Lord Chief Justice to the Queen’s Bench Division, while Freshfields corporate tax consultant Sarah Falk (pictured) has been assigned to the Chancery Division, with both taking up their roles today (1 October).