The appointment, which is effective immediately, coincides with the appointment of a new chairman with partner Phillip Salem, who succeeds Geoff Pike after three years.

Webb said he is honoured to be selected to lead the 127-year-old firm. He replaces John Davis, who has held the top job for the past five years.

"As national managing partner, [Davis] has overseen significant growth in earnings and profitabiity" said Webb. "He's also built a diverse business and a strong culture that embraces change, both of which will sustain the firm's expansion into the future."

Both John Davis and Geoff Pike are returning to practice at Sparke Helmore.

Sparke Helmore, a national firm with offices in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, Sydney and the Upper Hunter, is staffed by more than 600 people including 57 partners, 51 special counsel and almost 150 lawyers and law clerks.