Mr Cziesla beat out rival candidate and popular favourite Tim Taylor, a Dubai-based litigation partner, to become the first ever partner based outside of London to take on the UK, Europe and Middle East senior partner role. He assumes the position immediately on an initial three-year term and will work closely alongside European managing partner Tim Bednall, who was elected earlier this month. 

‘Enormous, untapped potential’

A legacy SJ Berwin lawyer, Mr Cziesla has been a partner with the firm since 2002 and has hitherto been serving as the firm’s German managing partner. He is replacing former senior partner Stephen Kon who announced his decision to step down from his post two years early in September. Mr Kon said of his successor: ‘As a longstanding corporate partner of the firm, [Mr Cziesla] brings a great blend of experience and commitment that the role demands.’ A statement from Mr Cziesla said he looked forward to realising the firm’s ‘enormous, untapped potential’ during his tenure at the helm.

Sources: Legal Week; The Lawyer