Slaughter and May elects new Senior Partner

Slaughter and May, the leading international law firm, today announces that Steve Cooke has been elected Senior Partner with effect from 1 May 2016 for a five year term.

Steve joined Slaughter and May as a trainee solicitor in 1982 and became a Partner in 1991. He has headed the firm’s Mergers and Acquisitions practice and been a member of the Partnership Board since 2001. He acts for a number of listed clients including Aggreko, ARM Holdings, Barratt Developments, Centrica, Diageo, Hikma Pharmaceuticals, International Airlines Group and Rolls-Royce.

Steve will succeed Chris Saul who will retire from Slaughter and May on 30 April 2016 after 39 years with the firm. Chris joined the firm as a trainee solicitor in 1977, was made a Partner in 1986 and was elected Senior Partner in 2008 for a five year term, which was extended for a further three years in 2013.

Steve Cooke said:

"I am honoured to have been elected as Senior Partner. On behalf of the whole firm, I want to thank Chris for the skilfulness, energy and warmth that he has brought to the role over the last eight years. He has been an inspirational leader who has done so much to take the firm forward while maintaining our distinctive strategy and culture. There are many unique aspects to Slaughter and May and I look forward to working with our exceptionally talented team."

Chris Saul commented:

"It has been a huge privilege to serve as Senior Partner and I am delighted that Steve has been elected as my successor. I have known and worked closely with Steve throughout his career at the firm. He has all the attributes to lead the firm and nurture the special qualities which continue to set Slaughter and May apart. He will bring tremendous experience, vision and energy to the role."