Eversheds is gearing up for management elections as chief executive Bryan Hughes nears the end of his current four-year term. 

The election is being conducted by the Electoral Reform Services, the business arm of the Electoral Reform Society, which is set to notify the firm of any candidates who have put themselves forward to contest the role.

However, partners within the firm expect to see Hughes reappointed for a new four-year term from 1 May 2013.

One partner commented: "I'd expect Bryan to go uncontested as the firm has been managed extremely well, allowing us to sail through in difficult conditions. Also, our international development has moved on at a very quick pace in a short amount of time."

Hughes succeeded David Gray as chief executive in May 2009 following an uncontested election. Gray stood down following six years in the role to spend more time with his family. 

This summer, Hughes unveiled the firm's new three-year strategy and '2020 Vision', which includes plans for closer integration of the firm's network of European offices.

Eversheds this year posted a 3% rise in turnover to £366m and a 14% hike in profits per equity partner (PEP) to £632,000. Over the past three years, the firm's revenue has remained stable, while PEP has risen from a 2009 mark of £404,000. 

Over the same period partner numbers have dipped slightly, falling from 334 to 326 at the end of the last financial year.