Norton Rose Fulbright Names New US Co-Head of Business Practice Group

Kessar Nashat to lead the firm's 450-lawyer business practice alongside Sheldon Nussbaum

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:18pm

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A minimalist, photorealistic studio still life featuring a stack of legal documents, a pen, and a pair of eyeglasses arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conveying the abstract concepts of corporate strategy, finance, and complex transactions.A stylized studio still life captures the essence of Norton Rose Fulbright's strategic leadership transition and commitment to providing clients with sophisticated legal counsel.NYC Today

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 consists of more than 450 US lawyers across corporate, M&A, securities, project finance, and other key business practice areas.

Why it matters

The appointment of Kessar Nashat as 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 is a highly respected leader within Norton Rose Fulbright's Business Practice Group, known for bringing teams together across offices and disciplines to execute complex transactions. Under Nussbaum's leadership, the group has experienced significant growth, adding more than 100 partners through lateral hires and internal promotions. The firm has also added six lateral partners in key markets this year, enhancing its ability to support clients on complex, multijurisdictional transactions.

  • Kessar Nashat's appointment as US Co-Head of the Business Practice Group is effective April 1, 2026.
  • Sheldon Nussbaum has led the 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.

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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, Global and US Managing Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright

“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 Business Practice Group, Norton Rose Fulbright

“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 Business Practice Group, Norton Rose Fulbright

What’s next

The leadership transition between Sheldon Nussbaum and Kessar Nashat as Co-Heads of the Business Practice Group will be seamless, as Nashat assumes his new role on April 1, 2026.

The takeaway

The appointment of Kessar Nashat as US Co-Head of Norton Rose Fulbright's Business Practice Group underscores the firm's commitment to strategic growth and its ability to provide clients with experienced counsel and practical advice on complex transactions and business matters.