Rothnie – who has been leading the practice since the beginning of 2006 – will hand over the reins to fellow partner Ian Cox (pictured right) with effect from 1 July, following a review of the practice.
Rothnie, who replaced James Barnes in the role, will continue as a full-time fee earner after years in management positions. Before taking up the head of real estate role he was executive partner at Herbert Smith between 2002 and 2006.
Rothnie commented: "I am very much looking forward to returning to full-time fee-earning after eight years in management roles. In Ian Cox we have exactly the right blend of experience, practice management and leadership skills to take the division forward."
Cox, whose practice focuses on structured finance and property development work, joined Herbert Smith as a trainee in 1987 and made partner in 1996.
He said of his new role: “Internationally there are huge opportunities for us as a business. We are looking to be better focused in our efforts so that in those jurisdictions where opportunities exist we are devoting sufficient resource, both in
