Shoosmiths chairman Andrew Tubbs is set to step down after 12 years with partner Peter Duff lined up by the firm to take over the role next year.
Duff’s new role will go into effect from 1 May 2015 for a three-year tenure, as Tubbs officially steps down at the end of April after completing four terms as chairman. Tubbs will continue to act as relationship partner for clients and will join the firm’s real estate team in Birmingham.
Employment partner Duff is currently head of the firm’s commercial practice group since 2009 after succeeding Claire Rowe who became chief executive. Duff joined Shoosmiths in 2004 and was promoted to head its national employment team within a year. Before Shoosmiths, Duff was at Baker & McKenzie for six years.
Peter said: ‘As Shoosmiths continues to evolve we will undoubtedly face many challenges and choices; some of them internal and others driven by the rapidly changing external market. As chairman, I will be helping the firm to take advantage of the opportunities that change brings.
‘In recent years, Andrew and our leadership colleagues have helped to reshape our business with great success and have had to take brave decisions along the way to become the integrated national firm it is today. I wish to continue that journey when I take the reins next spring.’
Tubbs joined the commercial property department of Shoosmiths in 1986, and specialised in residential and commercial development acquisition, option agreements and property finance. He became a partner in 1989, before moving to a more management focused role as head of the firm’s financial institution’s division in 1994.
Tubbs said: ‘I congratulate Peter on his appointment to lead the firm as chairman, alongside chief executive Claire Rowe. They will make an excellent team, and I am confident that Shoosmiths will continue to thrive under their leadership.’
Litigation partner Stuart Little will succeed Duff as head of the commercial practice group from 1 May 2015. Little specialises in commercial litigation and dispute resolution. He joined the firm in 1997 and became a partner in 2004.
jaishree.kalia@legalease.co.uk
