Norton Rose Fulbright Names Kessar Nashat as US Co-Head of Business Practice Group

Appointment is part of a planned leadership transition as the firm continues strategic growth across its transactional and business offerings.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:58pm

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Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has appointed New York partner Kessar Nashat as the new US Co-Head of its Business Practice Group, effective April 1, 2026. Nashat will serve alongside Sheldon Nussbaum, who has led the group for the past five years, ensuring a seamless leadership transition. The Business Practice Group has grown significantly under Nussbaum's leadership, with revenues and profitability increasing exponentially.

Why it matters

The appointment of Kessar Nashat as the new US Co-Head of Norton Rose Fulbright's Business Practice Group signals the firm's commitment to strategic growth and momentum across its transactional and business offerings. Nashat's leadership will help the firm continue to align its capabilities and expand the support it provides to clients in the US and globally.

The details

Nashat has decades of experience advising clients on a broad range of complex corporate and transactional matters. He represents public and private companies in mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and capital markets transactions across various industries. He also advises on corporate and securities matters, including SEC filings, corporate governance, and equity-based compensation. Nashat has served as Norton Rose Fulbright's US Co-Head of Corporate, M&A and Securities since 2024.

  • Kessar Nashat's appointment as US Co-Head of the Business Practice Group will be effective on April 1, 2026.
  • Sheldon Nussbaum has led the Business Practice Group for the past five years.

The players

Kessar Nashat

A New York partner at Norton Rose Fulbright who has been appointed as the new US Co-Head of the firm's Business Practice Group.

Sheldon Nussbaum

The current leader of Norton Rose Fulbright's Business Practice Group, who has led the group for the past five years.

Jeff Cody

The Global and US Managing Partner of Norton Rose Fulbright.

Scarlet McNellie

The US Co-Head of Corporate, M&A and Securities at Norton Rose Fulbright, who will continue to lead that team within the Business Practice Group.

Norton Rose Fulbright

A global law firm with more than 3,000 lawyers advising clients across locations in the United States, Europe, Canada, Latin America, Asia, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East.

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What they’re saying

“Kessar is a highly respected leader within our Business Practice Group, known for bringing teams together across offices and disciplines to execute complex transactions.”

— Jeff Cody, Norton Rose Fulbright's Global and US Managing Partner

“I've had the opportunity to work closely with Kessar over the past several years and have seen firsthand his many attributes and qualifications that are critical for this role, including his interpersonal skills, business judgment, substantive knowledge, vision and financial acumen.”

— Sheldon Nussbaum, Outgoing US Co-Head of Norton Rose Fulbright's Business Practice Group

“Clients are navigating an increasingly complex deal landscape that demands sound judgment and practical advice from experienced counsel. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Sheldon to lead this impressive group advising our clients on their most significant transactions and everyday needs.”

— Kessar Nashat, Incoming US Co-Head of Norton Rose Fulbright's Business Practice Group

What’s next

The leadership transition between Sheldon Nussbaum and Kessar Nashat as co-heads of the Business Practice Group will be effective on April 1, 2026.

The takeaway

The appointment of Kessar Nashat as the new US Co-Head of Norton Rose Fulbright's Business Practice Group underscores the firm's commitment to strategic growth and expansion of its transactional and business offerings, as it seeks to provide clients with sound judgment and practical advice from experienced counsel in an increasingly complex deal landscape.