MoFo elects three to managing partner

San Francisco-based litigation partners Craig Martin and Anna Erickson White, and Tokyo-based property specialist Eric Piesner will share responsibility of running the firm from October, when Reed steps down. Martin and White will be in charge of the firm’s 11 offices across the US and Europe, while Piesner will oversee MoFo’s four Asian offices. Reed will remain at the firm after stepping down, though her role is yet to be defined.

The term for the new managing partners runs from October until December 2015. For White, the new role is a return to a management having been elected managing partner from 2006 to 2009.

At MoFo prospective managing partners are nominated by the firm’s chair following a firm-wide consultation with partners. The selection is then put out to partners for a vote.

Earlier this year MoFo appointed bankruptcy partner Larren Nashelsky as chair, replacing Keith Wetmore who had been in the role since 2000 (20 July 2012).

In a statement, a spokesperson for the firm said: “Managing a firm our size is a tremendous load for one person. Under Larren Nashelsky’s leadership, the managing partners will have separate, yet coordinated, roles to oversee firm operations.

“Anna’s role is client-facing; she’ll manage client intake and retention, practice plan implementation, and marketing, among other externally-focused duties.

“Craig’s role is internal-focused; he’ll manage attorney recruiting, development, compensation and executive governance for the firm.

“Eric’s role is geographic-focused, as expansion in Asia continues to be a leading priority for the firm. He is actively involved in the Tokyo office, and in our China practices, and has deep knowledge about Asian markets.”

The spokesperson added that dividing the role also meant that the managing partners can continue to fee earn.