Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) has elected Neville Eisenberg as senior partner for a four-year term starting 1 May 2015.

Eisenberg (pictured) replaces Harold Paisner, who has been in the role since the merger that formed BLP in 2001.

Eisenberg is currently BLP's managing partner and will be succeeded by Lisa Mayhew on 1 May 2015.

During his 16 years as managing partner, Eisenberg led BLP's transformation into a global law firm with 12 offices in 10 countries and a network of more than 100 law firms across the world.

He first assumed the role of managing partner in 1999 at legacy Berwin Leighton and held onto the position when it merged with Paisner & Co in 2001.

Eisenberg ran unopposed for re-election in 2012, when he took up a three-year term.

Chair of the firm Robert MacGregor said Eisenberg had "proven his leadership qualities during a turbulent time in the industry" and "played a pivotal role in BLP's success".

Eisenberg added: "In my new role I am looking forward to concentrating on the firm's international business, client development and separately managed businesses."

While many had expected Eisenberg to step into the post, some former BLP partners have previously expressed concerns about how the firm's tripartite leadership team would operate.

"If the senior partner role remains as it is then it is neither here nor there but if [Eisenberg] becomes a senior partner who has a say in how the business is managed then I think that it is a very bad idea. I think the board needs an overhaul," said one.