Full service City firm Travers Smith has elected tax specialist Kathleen Russ as senior partner with effect from 1 July 2019. She is the first woman in the role and will succeed Chris Hale, who has held the post since 2013.

Under Russ's leadership Travers Smith’s tax department has grown into one of the largest tax practices in the City, advising large corporates, asset managers and high profile individuals. Russ herself specialises in private equity transactions and is a non-executive director of the Office of Tax Simplification.

Travers Smith’s managing partner David Patient said: 'I very much look forward to working alongside Kathleen in what promises to be an exciting period for our firm. I would also like to thank Chris Hale for the immense contribution he has made to Travers Smith over the years, and the tremendous energy and leadership that he has brought to the role of senior partner.'

In a statement Russ said: 'Travers Smith’s client credentials are obvious for all to see. Our culture is less visible to the external eye, but I believe that it is our culture which makes us truly unique. It is a high performing environment which is inclusive, supportive, increasingly diverse and progressive. As senior partner, I want to nurture that culture and in doing so, to work alongside David in leading the firm to further success.'