Morrison Foerster (MoFo) has elected San Francisco M&A partner Eric Takeshi McCrath as its new chair, replacing Larren Nashelsky who has led the firm for the past decade.

McCrath will be the firm’s first ethnically diverse chair in its almost 140-year history when he takes over the role in October. He is currently a member of MoFo’s executive committee and its compensation committee, as well global co-chair of the firm’s corporate department. 

He has been at MoFo for almost 15 years, joining as a partner in 2007 from Kirkland & Ellis, having started his career as an associate at Cravath Swaine & Moore. As well as his current roles, McCrath has held a number of practice group leadership positions while also serving as a member of the firm’s diversity strategy committee since 2010.

McCrath said: “Over the past decade, Larren, working closely with our executive leadership team, has overseen a period of phenomenal success for the firm, driven by the strategic needs of our clients and guided by our values. I feel fortunate to take over from this position of strength.”

Under Nashelsky’s leadership, the firm has expanded to 17 locations worldwide, opening offices in Singapore, Berlin, Boston and most recently Austin at the start of this year. He has also helped increase revenue significantly, which has grown 156% over the past five years.

Nashelsky said: “I am proud of what we have achieved collectively for our clients while continuing to build on MoFo’s legacy of leadership in diversity and inclusion, pro bono and community service. I am excited for the years ahead and have no doubt the firm will continue to thrive under Eric’s leadership.”

New York-based Nashelsky said he will work closely with McCrath over the next few months to ensure a smooth transition in the autumn. He will continue to be a partner with the firm after he steps down in early October, with his practice focusing on bankruptcy and restructurings in the US and globally.

Since the start of the year, MoFo has added six partners on the West Coast from Perkins Coie, the most recent being life sciences specialist Matthew Ferry who joined at the start of this month.