Slaughter and May has elected corporate partner David Wittmann as its new practice partner, replacing Paul Olney, who is retiring at the end of this year after more than 30 years at the firm.

Olney (pictured), who joined Slaughters in 1983, has been a partner at the magic circle firm since 1990. He took up the practice partner position six years ago, with his current term originally scheduled to run until April 2016.

Olney told Legal Week that he is now going to consider his post-retirement options, but ruled out a role at another law firm.

He said: "I plan to take a break and reflect on what I want to do after I leave the firm at the end of the year. I have no intention of seeking another law firm role, however – this is the end of my law career."

Wittmann will step into the practice partner role on 1 January next year. He will work alongside executive partner Richard Clark and senior partner Chris Saul. Wittmann's first term will run until April 2017, coinciding with Clark's term, while Saul's term ends in April 2016.

Wittmann joined the firm in 1988 as a trainee solicitor and made partner in 1997. His practice covers corporate, corporate finance and private equity work, and has worked for clients including International Airlines Group/British Airways, United Utilities, Goldman Sachs Capital Partners, Palamon Capital Partners and NewDay Cards.

Wittmann said: "Going forward to next year I plan to continue the work Paul has been doing and driving the firm's ambitions forward – it'll be very much business as usual."

As practice partner, Wittmann is responsible for Slaughters' overall practice strategy and development within the firm and in terms of relationships with law firms outside the UK.