Former head of dispute resolution Chris Pugh and the current head of corporate Edward Braham are expected to face each other in the contest, alongside two other candidates, one from the US and one from Germany, and possibly other candidates as well. The winner will take over from Will Lawes, the current senior partner. The senior partner has traditionally had considerable power in the firm, appointing the central management team including the managing partner. Freshfields describes  Mr Braham as having 'a well-earned reputation for innovative thinking that gets difficult deals done'. He advised on the first competitive public bid in China. 

Complex crises

Chris Pugh is described by the firm as 'one of a handful of lawyers clients can turn to when they need help navigating complex crises, nationally or worldwide'. His clients have included Ernst & Young, ConocoPhillips, BCCI and Lehman Brothers. Sources: Legal Business and Freshfields