Cobbetts' has named national head of dispute resolution Nick Carr as its new managing partner, following a contested election with Manchester corporate head Paul Johnson.

Carr will take up his three-year term on 1 June after securing the majority of partner votes in a process which concluded last Wednesday (16 May). The firm has yet to decide who will replace Carr as head of disputes and he will continue in the role for the time being.

Outgoing managing partner Michael Shaw announced that he would step down in March after 16 years at the helm of the north-west firm, which has 750 staff working across four offices in England, and one in Egypt. He will remain at the firm as a consultant.

Chairman and senior partner Stephen Benson commented: "Nick has developed his practice area into a diverse and financially-successful part of Cobbetts' business. His leadership and judgment will be invaluable in taking the firm into a new era for legal services."

Confirmation of the firm's new managing partner came as Cobbetts announced a 1% increase in turnover in 2011-12, with fee income hitting £45.2m. Litigation and business restructuring saw the biggest performance, growing revenue by 8% and 7% respectively.

Benson, who is entering the second year of his third three-year term as senior partner, commented: "We're pleased with our results, operating in what continues to be a challenging economic environment.

"These results provide the platform for consolidating our position as a regional leader and building on our successful and growing international work."

Cobbetts entered merger discussions with expansive Manchester firm DWF late last year, but the pair decided not to complete the tie-up due to unfavourable market conditions.