Linklaters' senior partner election is nearing its final stages, with the three contenders presenting their manifestos to the partnership at the magic circle firm's annual partner conference in Paris.

Global banking chief Robert Elliott, head of litigation John Turnbull and European managing partner Jean-Pierre Blumberg are all expected to present their strategies for the firm during the conference, which ends tomorrow (9 April).

The trio initially released their manifestos to the partnership two weeks ago (25 March), with each candidate laying out in detail their plans for the five-year term.

Elliott, who ran unsuccessfully against incumbent senior partner David Cheyne in 2006, stresses in his manifesto the importance of empowering individual partners to become more entrepreneurial and prioritise client relationships independently.

Turnbull, meanwhile, focuses on both US and Asian expansion. Partners say European managing partner Jean-Pierre Blumberg states in his manifesto that there is still scope for growth within Europe.

Partners are expected to vote on the new senior partner at the end of April, with an internal announcement expected to confirm the successful candidate on 2 May. They will take over from Cheyne in September.

One partner commented: "All three candidates spoke about championing collegiality and the importance of the lockstep. However, most partners agree that Turnbull is more likely to be able to challenge management."

Another added: "It's head-to-head between Elliott and Turnbull. While Elliott joined the firm laterally from Wilde Sapte, Turnbull is considered a real Linklaters man, so the results will say a lot about the culture of the firm and how it has evolved."

Other issues discussed at the firm's partnership conference this week include the firm's new partner promotions.