Proskauer Rose has elected a new chairman amid the US firm's ongoing merger talks with SJ Berwin.

Corporate partner Joseph Leccese is set to replace incumbent Allen Fagin (pictured) in January next year as Fagin's maximum six-year term comes to an end.

Leccese is currently co-head of the firm's sports law group and a member of the executive committee.

He will continue practising in the corporate department alongside his new role. His client portfolio includes the National Basketball Association, National Hockey League and Major League Soccer.

Leccese said: "Under Allen's leadership, Proskauer has made significant strides building a global platform, expanding our presence in key markets, enhancing our capabilities in a number of practice areas and deftly navigating challenging economic times."

Since Fagin was elected chairman in 2005 the firm has opened offices in Chicago, Hong Kong, London and Sao Paulo.

Fagin said: "I look forward to his [Leccese's] contributions as chairman and have no doubt that he will continue to build upon our success around the world."

The news follows SJ Berwin managing partner Ralph Cohen's announcement that he will step down from the role this autumn.

SJ Berwin is expected to decide whether to push through with US merger plans in the next few weeks after taking time out to consider the potential merger with Proskauer Rose over the summer.

The UK top 20 firm recently saw the departure of a quartet of real estate partners to Irwin Mitchell, including practice chief Jon Vivian.

For more, see SJ Berwin chief says US talks on track despite real estate exit