Ellisen Turner has been named the next managing partner of Irell & Manella as the Los Angeles-based firm's current leader, Andrei Iancu, prepares to reach his term limit in 2018.

Iancu was also nominated last week by President Donald Trump to replace Michelle Lee as director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Iancu, who assumed leadership of Irell & Manella in 2012, has received support for his nomination from powerful industry groups.

The nomination of Iancu could mean that Ellisen takes on Iancu's leadership responsibilities before the conclusion of his four-year term in February 2018, a period when the firm's managing partner transitions usually occur, Turner said.