Hogan Lovells has confirmed the appointment of London real estate litigator Nicholas Cheffings as the first sole chairman of the transatlantic law firm.

Cheffings (pictured) will take up the post on 1 May for a three-year term, replacing current co-chairs Claudette Christian and John Young. Young is set to retire when his term ends on 30 April, while Christian will continue to practice at the firm.