Chicago giant McDermott Will & Emery has appointed Harvey Freishtat as chairman-elect following the decision of veteran head Larry Gerber to step down next year.

The appointment of the healthcare specialist was confirmed after the close of voting on Saturday (7 June) in a contested election against tax partner Michael Fayhee. Both candidates were drawn from two of McDermotts’ best known practice areas, with Gerber also coming from the firm’s health team.