Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer's chief executive Ted Burke has emerged as a strong contender for the position of senior partner as the firm gears up to elect new management later this year.

Burke is understood to be one of the names in the running for the top role when his five-year term comes to an end this year, following the magic circle law firm's decision to phase out its legacy dual senior partner model.

Other partners linked to the position include competition partner Deirdre Trapp, financial institutions group head Will Lawes, London corporate head Mark Rawlinson and, in Germany, former global corporate head Andreas Fabritius.

Partners cite Burke as a popular choice given his track record as chief executive, suggesting his election could diffuse a potentially delicate situation regarding whether a UK or German partner should take the consolidated role.

One former partner commented: "[Burke] would be a good compromise, as he would be acceptable to the Germans and is well-liked in London."

The firm is set to vote on the role at its upcoming partnership conference in September, with official nominations required at the end of summer. The senior partner will then appoint a new management team, replacing the chief executive role vacated by Burke and managing partner Peter Jeffcote, who is also stepping down.

A partner at the firm added: "Ted would be a logical choice because he has been a phenomenal chief exec – but do not discount a German lawyer being elected. All these guys would be excellent candidates but no-one wants to put their head above the parapet yet."

Freshfields and Burke declined to comment.

The Freshfields partnership voted last week (23 April) to phase out its joint senior partner role in favour of a sole senior partner when incumbents Guy Morton and Konstantin Mettenheimer step down later this year.