Law firm Chapman Tripp says it has appointed Corporate partner Andy Nicholls as the new Managing Partner - Wellington for five years from 29 June 2015.

Mr Nicholls, who has been a partner with Chapman Tripp for 11 years and works in the field of regulatory and competition law issues, also joins the firm's Board. 

He replaces Mark Reese, who held the Wellington managing partner role for 10 years and has now returned to full-time practice in the firm's Banking and Finance team.

Chapman Tripp's primary managing partner, Andrew Poole, will continue in his Auckland-based role until June 2014. His title has now changed to Chief Executive Partner.