New Zealand firm Bell Gully has appointed former Linklaters global client development head Cecilia Burgess as the firm’s new chief operating officer. This is the first time Bell Gully has had a COO and the move demonstrates the increasing trend for firms to look at a more corporate model without taking the step of full incorporation. Other firms to have gone down this path include Melbourne firms Hall & Wilcox and Lander & Rogers.

Prior to her role as global head of client development at Linklaters, Burgess headed up the Asia marketing team at Linklaters and prior to that was director of marketing at Minter Ellison. “Cecilia adds an impressive array of know-how to the Bell Gully management team,' said chairman Roger Partridge. "Clients and staff alike are going to benefit from the initiatives her leadership and extensive knowledge of global legal markets will bring.”

For other news on developments and career paths in the legal sector, please visit the ALB Legal Jobs Centre to read the latest Job Market News.