Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer corporate partner Claire Wills is set to become its London managing partner, making her one of the few women in senior managerial roles in the magic circle.

She will replace current London managing partner Julian Long in the role, according to three people familiar with the matter. Long, who succeeded Mark Rawlinson as London managing partner in 2014, was previously the firm’s London corporate head and will remain at the firm.