Shoosmiths has named commercial practice group head Peter Duff as its new chairman, succeeding incumbent Andrew Tubbs, who will step down after completing four terms and 12 years in the role.

Duff's three-year term will begin on 1 May 2015. Tubbs will continue to act as a client partner, as he has done throughout his time as chairman, joining the firm's real estate team in Birmingham.

Litigation partner Stuart Little will take over Duff's current responsibilities as head of the commercial group when he takes on the chairman role.

Speaking to Legal Week, Duff said one of his key roles would be to develop the profile and reputation of the firm in the market. 

"I recognise that a new person in the role gives us a new sense of strategic leadership. My challenge will be very much building on the foundations of the past few years….There's going to be a lot of focus on efficiency."

Duff added that the firm had no immediate plans to set up any international offices. 

Shoosmiths declined to comment on whether the election for chairman was contested.

Duff came to Shoosmiths ten years ago from Baker & McKenzie and was promoted to lead the national employment team within a year of joining. He then became head of Shoosmiths' commercial practice group in 2009, taking over from Claire Rowe when she became chief executive.

The position of chairman at Shoosmiths, according to Rowe, most closely resembles that of a senior partner at a traditional law firm, with Duff charged with developing strategy as well as being the "external face of the firm." Rowe's role as chief executive will continue to be focused on implimenting the strategy that the partnership has agreed on.

Duff's appointment comes on the back of strong results for the firm last financial year, when it recorded an increase in profit per equity partner (PEP) of 21% to £290,000, along with a 7% increase in revenue to £93m.

The firm has still yet to regain its 2010-11 levels of profitability, when PEP was up at £371,000. After merging with Edinburgh firm Archibald Campbell & Harley in autumn 2012, PEP dropped  9% from £294,000 to £269,000, but revenues have now picked up in part thanks to the hire of an eight strong medical negligence team from now defunct midlands firm Challinors last August.

Historically, the majority of the firm's turnover has come from its disputes and corporate practices, which contributed 30% and 22% of total income respectively in 2012-13.

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