LG dispute resolution head Andrew Witts is set to take over as the firm's new senior partner following a contested election.

Witts (pictured) will take up the role at the helm of the firm on 1 May 2011 when current incumbent Penny Francis steps down. At the same time, managing partner Hugh Maule has been re-elected to serve another term as managing partner.

It is unclear what Francis's next move will be when her term in management ends on 30 April next year.

Witts said: "I am delighted and honoured to take up the role of senior partner and thank Penny for all that she has achieved for our firm. I look forward to working with Hugh and to further developing our business."

Francis added: "It has been a privilege to lead a great firm. LG has changed significantly in recent years and is well placed to continue with its success. After nine years as managing partner and then senior partner, I decided not to stand for re-election. Andrew and Hugh will be a great team and I have no doubt they will take the firm forward for the benefit of its loyal clients."

In 2007 Francis won a contested election to become senior partner, succeeding Bill Richards. Francis was one of four partners competing for the top job, running against corporate head Christopher Tite, corporate partner Sunil Kakkad and tax partner Robert Field. She was replaced in her role as managing partner by LG's head of business and finance, Hugh Maule, who stood unopposed.

Witts, who joined LG as a partner in 2001 from DLA Piper, specialises in corporate fraud and international asset tracing. He is currently advising the Government of Brazil in relation to the alleged corruption of Paulo Maluf, the former mayor of Sao Paulo.