Goodwin Procter's M&A practice already has three co-chairs. So why does the firm need a global chair of M&A?

Partner and firm vice chairman Stuart Cable, who was named to newly created position Monday, said it sends a message about the firm's commitment to the practice and to its clients. And according to Goodwin chair Rob Insolia, the new position underscores the firm's focus on growing the scope and geographic reach of its M&A and corporate governance work.

"It's typically a title you find at an investment bank," said Cable, a 40-year veteran of the Boston-founded firm. He said he'll use his four decades and over 300 deals worth of experience to be both a player and a coach for Goodwin moving forward.