Mary Leslie Smith, a litigation specialist who specializes in franchising and distributor disputes, will become the new managing partner of Foley & Lardner’s Miami office — the latest woman to be installed into a law firm leadership position in Florida.

Foley & Lardner announced the leadership change, which will take effect March 1, on the heels of its 10th anniversary in Miami. Smith will replace William Davis, a fellow litigation partner who has held the managing partner role in Miami since Foley & Lardner launched the office in late 2007. Previously, Smith served as chair of the office’s litigation practice.