Dickinson Dees disputes head John Marshall is set to take over as senior partner following a contested election.

Marshall beat corporate partner John Flynn and tax partner George Lyall to take the post of senior partner following the election process, which took place earlier this month (19 March).

Marshall (pictured above right) will take up his new role at the helm of the firm in April, replacing current incumbent Robin Bloom, whose second three-year term is set to come to an end.

Bloom joined Dickinson Dees in 2000 from Jacksons, where he was an employment partner, initially to establish the firm's Tees Valley office. In 2004 he was voted in as senior partner and was re-elected in 2007.

He leaves to head up the legal function of Gibson O'Neill, which was set up by Middlesbrough FC chairman and owner Steve Gibson in 1981 and which also owns transportation company Bulkhaul and hotel, spa and golf club Rockliffe Hall.

Craig Monty will succeed Marshall as the northeast firm's head of commercial disputes.

At the same time, Jonathan Blair (pictured above left) has been re-elected as managing partner until September 2014.

Blair, who initially took on the position in 2008, was not due for re-election until later this year but the process was brought forward in a bid to align the management election process.

Blair and Marshall will now work closely together and will consult with the firm's partnership on how to position the business over the next five to 10 years, as the firm reviews its international operations and national footprint.

Marshall commented: "In common with many firms like us, we have been through a challenging trading period due to market conditions. However, we are looking upwards and outwards and have ambitious plans to move the business forward."

Blair said: "I am delighted to announce John's appointment to the role of senior partner. He has the ideal mix of experience, dedication and passion for this role and has played an integral part in the partnership over the past 20 years, having originally joined the firm as a trainee solicitor."