Irving turning over Manatt Phelps helm to Quicksilver.

PAUL Irving, managing partner and chief executive at Manatt Phelps & Phillips LLP for the past seven years, will step aside to become chairman of the board.

He's handing the reins to his right-hand man, William Quicksilver.

"Paul and I have worked together as close friends and colleagues for many years," said Quicksilver. "Our progress and performance reflect Paul's leadership, and I am honored that I have been chosen to serve as Paul's successor."

Irving said he's staying at his post until January, because the job has "something of a learning curve." During the transition, Irving will return to his practice while Quicksilver begins directing the $196 million firm, which has 325 lawyers and seven offices on the East and West Coasts.

"It's been a very fun run," said Irving, who began practicing law at Manatt 29 years ago and never left. "For me, the most exciting part is over the last seven years. I think our firm is well positioned for an exciting future, although I recognize our profession is fiercely competitive."

Although Quicksilver seemed like the clear choice after serving as deputy managing partner for more than three years, the firm embarked on a search anyway.

"At the end of the process, the conclusion was Bill was the logical person," Irving said. "But our firm is still very much a partnership and I think that the fact that we went through this will position Bill even more effectively as a leader and manager."