McDermott partners choose Boston founder for top job

Boston-based McDermott Will & Emery partner Harvey Freishtat has beaten head of tax Michael Fayhee to become the firm’s new chairman.
William Charnley, senior partner of McDermott’s London office, said both candidates were ideally suited to the role. However, he said that the firm’s management committee felt Freishtat's management experience made him better qualified for the top job.
"He [Freishtat] is an excellent candidate and he’ll do a fantastic job," said Charnley.
Freishtat, who joined McDermotts in 1981, was the founding partner of the firm’s Boston office. A health law partner, he is currently a member of the firm’s management committee and also chairs its compensation and practice integration committee.
Freishtat will take up the post in March 2004. He succeeds Larry Gerber, who has led the Chicago-based firm for the last 12 years.
Freishtat said: "I am proud to have been with this firm for the past 22 years, and it is with great honour that I accept the position as chairman elect, succeeding one of the firm’s most instrumental leaders."