W. Russell Welsh, chairman and CEO of Polsinelli since 1998, is poised to cede the Kansas City, Missouri-based Am Law 100 firm's top leadership role to real estate head F. Chase Simmons.

Polsinelli confirmed Tuesday its nomination of Simmons, chairman of the firm's real estate practice and interdisciplinary real estate equity group, as vice chairman and chair-elect. Simmons, if approved by the partnership in a vote on June 8, will become Polsinelli's third chairman when Welsh steps aside on Dec. 31, 2018, after 20 years at the helm.

Simmons, who joined a Polsinelli predecessor firm in 1997, was unavailable for comment Tuesday to discuss his ascension to top management. In a statement, he expressed appreciation for his potential new leadership role.