Winston & Strawn has named a successor to veteran chairman Tom Fitzgerald, who will step down in June 2024 after almost two decades at the helm of the US firm. 

Steve D’Amore, who co-chairs the 900-lawyer firm’s litigation practice, will take over from Fitzgerald, the firm said, working alongside Fitzgerald until next June 2024, after which he will “head the firm as part of a leadership team while continuing to practise,” Winston said. 

He began his legal career at Winston and has spent decades in the firm’s home office of Chicago, where he has represented clients including JP Morgan Chase and food processing multinational ADM in high-profile litigation. 

For his part Fitzgerald took over as Winston’s managing partner in 2006, becoming chair in 2017 after the firm reorganised its leadership structure. During his tenure the firm has doubled its revenue to more than $1bn and grown its global office network to 16, including in Miami, where it opened last year. In 2022 the firm, which alongside its litigation clout is noted by legal directory Chambers and Partners for its growing strength in private equity, reached revenue of $1.15bn against profits per equity partner of $3.1m. 

“It has been an honor and a privilege to lead Winston through so many remarkable changes over the last 17 years,” Fitzgerald said. “I congratulate Steve on his election and look forward to working alongside him in the coming months.”

D’Amore said he was “honoured” to lead Winston, adding: “It is humbling to follow in Tom’s footsteps.” 

The firm didn’t comment on whether Fitzgerald, who is in his late 60s, would remain at the firm after stepping down as chair.