Travers Smith has re-appointed David Patient as its managing partner.
Patient trained with the firm, making partner in 1999, launching the firm’s Paris office and eventually replacing Andrew Lilley as managing partner in January 2015. He had previously run for managing partner in 2009, but was ultimately beaten into the role by Lilley.
His second three year term will officially begin on 1 July 2018.
Travers’ senior partner typically takes a sounding of partners’ views prior to the appointment of a new managing partner, rather than holding elections. On this occasion, Patient’s term was extended without opposition, with no other candidates emerging.
Patient said: “It is a great privilege to be Travers Smith’s managing partner. I have spent my whole career at the firm and, over the next three and a bit years, will ensure we maintain the winning formula that makes it so special for both our clients and our people.”
Travers Smith’s senior partner Chris Hale added: “Over the last three years David’s leadership, commitment, ideas and contribution have placed the firm in a strong and enviable position in the legal market. We now have a solid platform for the future growth and success of the firm and I look forward to working with David on a range of management and strategic matters in 2018 and beyond.”
Under Patient’s leadership in the last three years, Travers has embarked on a brand refresh, updating its website and office space, with Patient saying: “The word ‘understated’ has been used to describe us for far too long.” The firm has also dabbled with AI, trialling a due diligence tool developed by RAVN within its corporate practice.
In January 2016, corporate partner Hale was re-elected as senior partner for a second term. He will remain in the role until 2019 in accordance with the firm’s constitution, which requires senior partners to serve a four-year first term and just a two-year second term.
