PINSENT Masons has appointed employment partner Katie Williams as head of its ten-partner Aberdeen office, the first woman to hold the post.

Ms Williams, who joined Pinsent Masons from Aberdeen law firm Mackinnons Solicitors two years ago, does work in both the offshore and marine sectors and has a particular focus on whistle-blowing and discrimination claims.

She noted that while the Aberdeen market has been challenging in recent times the firm has built an “excellent platform” from which to build on.

“Our vision as a firm is to be recognised as an international market leader in the global sectors in which we operate and the energy market in particular is essential to that,” she said.

“We have been bucking the trend in Aberdeen during a period of challenging trading thanks to this focus, our international reach and also our commitment to innovation and efficiency.

“I look forward driving that forward and building on the fantastic offering developed so far.”

Ms Williams replaces Roger Connon as office managing partner. Mr Connon had been a partner at Aberdeen firm Ledingham Chalmers before transferring to McGrigors when it took over the former’s oil and gas practice in 2006. He became a Pinsent Masons partner in 2012 when that firm took over McGrigors.

Mr Connon will remain at the firm with a particular focus on the firm’s regulatory compliance business Cerico and freelance lawyer service Vario.

Firmwide managing partner John Cleland said: “Aberdeen is a critically important market for us given its position as a true global energy hub, so leadership and a well-executed succession plan is important. Katie stands out as an individual who is respected massively by our clients. She is a first-class lawyer but also a role model in terms of championing the firm’s culture and values.”