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