Clifford Chance (CC) has reelected its Gulf managing partner with litigator Graham Lovett set to serve another term as the leader of the magic circle firm's Middle East practice.

The appointment came after CC partners in the region voted in favour of handing Lovett a second term. He was first voted into the role in 2005, and his new term will last for four years from 1 July.

Lovett (pictured) joined CC in 1993 and became a partner in 2003. His practice focuses on commercial litigation and arbitration; fraud; investigations; joint venture, partnership and shareholder disputes; banking and finance, insurance and regulatory investigations and enforcement as well as cross-border disputes and mediation.

Commenting on his reelection, he said: "We have an incredibly talented and committed team of lawyers on the ground which, combined with our ambition for the future, makes this region one of the most exciting places to be practising law. I am delighted to continue in my role as Gulf managing partner, and look forward to working with my partners in the region to maintain our preeminent position across all practices."

CC has a longstanding Middle East practice having had a presence in the region for 35 years. The firm most recently added an Abu Dhabi office in 2008, which is headed by banking partner Richard Ernest.

CC also has Gulf coverage in Saudi Arabia through a cooperation agreement with Al-Jadaan & Partners Law Firm.

Substantial recent instructions for the firm in the Gulf included taking a lead role for longstanding client Dubai World during the Dubai debt crisis, with the firm fielding a team including Dubai-based corporate partner Simon Clinton and restructuring partner Robin Abraham.