Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld has elected US managing partner Kim Koopersmith as its new chair, as current post-holder Bruce McLean prepares to step down in March 2013 after 20 years in the role.

Koopersmith, a New York litigation partner, is the first woman to be elected to the position in Akin Gump's history.

She has been the lead relationship partner for several of the firm's top clients during her time at the firm and as US managing partner, has overseen financial operations, client service, recruitment and professional development.
As the firm's chair she will split her time between New York and Washington DC.

During two decades as chairperson, McLean led the firm's expansion from a regional firm with two offices outside Texas to a global firm with 17 offices worldwide and more than 850 lawyers. He will remain at the firm as a senior executive partner.

"Thanks in large part to the strength of Bruce's leadership, Akin Gump is stronger and better-positioned in the market now than at any point in its history," said Koopersmith. "I am thrilled to play a leading role in continuing that progress."

McLean said: "[Kim] understands the essential qualities that make a law firm successful and the importance of ensuring that all have the opportunity to contribute towards that success."

"Having worked closely with Kim throughout much of the past two decades, I know first-hand that she will be successful in continuing to grow the firm in a way that remains focused on our clients, our employees and our communities."

Koopersmith joins a handful of women in leadership positions at top US law firms including Valerie Ford Jacob, chair of Fried Frank, and DLA Piper's Anastasia Kelly, who was last month elected to co-managing partner from 1 January 2013.