The election process to select Linklaters' senior partner has begun, with banking chief Robert Elliott and litigation partner John Turnbull among five partners already being linked with the post.

The process started earlier this month when partners received an email kicking off initial soundings of the partnership, which are being led by incumbent senior partner David Cheyne. While there is not yet a formal shortlist of potential candidates, a number of partners have already emerged as contenders.

Elliott, who along with former finance chief Giles White stood unsuccessfully for senior partner against Cheyne during the 2006 election process, has been linked to the role for several months, alongside former corporate head David Barnes.

More recent additions being discussed by the partnership include London-based former head of commercial Turnbull and former head of client sectors Richard Godden. A fifth partner, believed to be European managing partner Jean-Pierre Blumberg, is also being cited.

Cheyne is expected to come up with a shortlist of three partners in consultation with the firm's international board by the end of February. The shortlisted partners will then deliver a statement about what they would do as senior partner before their names go to a vote.

One Linklaters partner told Legal Week: "There are currently several strong candidates in the running, but it is pretty self-evident who the candidates will be. The five people who have been linked with the role are all fantastic partners, but in the end it will be a three-way race between Elliott, Turnbull and Barnes."

The vote is expected to take place after April, with the successful candidate working with Cheyne until his term ends in September. Linklaters and Cheyne declined to comment.