David A. Scherl will step down as Morrison Cohen’s chairman and managing partner, positions he has held for 17 years.

Steven M. Cooperman, 51, and Y. David Scharf, 50, have been elected vice chairmen of the midsize firm, effective immediately. They are expected to become co-managing partners in January of next year when Scherl will become chairman emeritus. Scherl said he chose January because that seemed the right amount of time for a smooth transition.

Steven M. Cooperman