McManus to succeed Jami McKeon in October 2026 following more than a decade of global expansion under her leadership
Global law firm Morgan Lewis has elected David A. McManus as its next chair, with the appointment due to take effect later this year following more than a decade of leadership under Jami McKeon.
The firm confirmed that the partnership unanimously approved McManus for a five-year term beginning on 1 October 2026. He will succeed McKeon, who has led the firm since 2014 through a period of sustained international expansion and strategic development.
McManus has spent more than 30 years at Morgan Lewis and currently serves as global leader of its labour and employment practice. He also sits on the firm’s advisory board and previously served on its compensation committee, reflecting a long-standing involvement in the firm’s senior governance structures.
His practice focuses on advising employers and boards on high-stakes workforce issues, corporate transactions and executive-level matters, including organisational restructuring and crisis management affecting reputational and financial risk.
The leadership transition marks the end of a significant tenure for McKeon, during which the firm strengthened its global footprint across the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The period also included continued investment across practice areas and expansion of cross-practice client service capabilities.
Morgan Lewis now has more than 2,200 lawyers and legal professionals worldwide and operates across major commercial and regulatory sectors, including financial services, life sciences, technology and energy.
Leadership changes at large international firms are closely watched across the legal market, particularly where they follow extended periods of strategic growth. The transition comes as global firms continue to respond to shifting regulatory environments, workforce transformation issues and increased demand for cross-border advisory capability.
McManus said he expected to work closely with McKeon during the transition period before formally assuming the role later this year.