Pannone clinical negligence head Emma Holt is set to take over as the firm's new managing partner, suceeding current incumbent Steven Grant.

Holt was named as the Manchester-based firm's next managing partner following an uncontested election. She will take up her new role on 1 January 2011 when Grant's term comes to an end.

Grant, who became managing partner in January 2008, decided not to run again following a three-year term. However, he will retain a senior position in the firm, supporting Holt as well as taking on a strategic role in the corporate practice.

Holt joined Pannone in 2005 and became head of the clinical negligence department in 2008. Her successor as clinical negligence head will be announced shortly.

Grant commented: "It has been a great honour to lead Pannone over the last few years, but I am very keen to return to a more client-focused role.

He added: "I am delighted to hand over the reins to Emma who will be an excellent successor. Emma has all the credentials to steer Pannone through the next stages of its development and further build on its achievements. I will remain in post until the end of December and will be working increasingly closely with Emma in order to achieve an orderly handover."

In March Pannone was once more rated as the top law firm in The Sunday Times' 100 Best Companies to work for rankings, marking the seventh year in a row that the firm has secured the highest placing of any law firm.