Birmingham law firm Shakespeares has appointed Mike Hibbs as its new senior partner.
He will head a 170-strong team based in Temple Street.
Tony Jones steps down from the role on May 9 after six years in charge and will continue as head of education and charities in Shakespeares commercial team.
Currently head of Shakespeares' employment unit, Mr Hibbs becomes the youngest senior partner in the firm's history.
Mr Hibbs attended the College of Law in Chester before returning to Birmingham to pursue his legal career. He qualified in 1983 and joined Bettinsons solicitors in 1985 who subsequently merged to form Shakespeares in 1990.
He is a staunch supporter of Birmingham.
Chairman of Big Brum Theatre in Education Company, he is also a board member of the Ikon Gallery and a visiting professor of employment law at the University of Central England.
He is also a member of Birmingham Law Society employment law committee and is a General Commissioner of Income Tax.
Mr Hibbs is an author of many articles on a wide range of employment law issues and mediation.
Commenting on his new role, he said: "I feel highly privileged to take on this role. Shakespeares is a forward thinking law firm that has an exciting future and I am delighted to be able to play my part in this ongoing success.
"We employ a fantastic team who have a wealth of expertise that can compete with the very best in the marketplace."
