Firm takes applications for top Euro post as ex-Hammonds chief's term nears end 

Squire Sanders has kicked off the process of selecting candidates for the firm's European managing partner role as Peter Crossley's (pictured) current term draws to a close.

After serving two terms as legacy Hammonds' managing partner before the 2011 merger with US firm Squire Sanders & Dempsey, Crossley's three-year term as head of the UK limited liability partnership (LLP) will come to an end on 31 December. 

The firm is currently taking nominations for the role, with those interested having to make their case to the nominating board, while the board can also identify its own candidates. 

The nominating board, which includes partners from across the firm's global offices, will then draw up a list of suitable names that it will recommend to the global board, with a final decision expected in September. No vote is put to the wider partnership.

Due to the managed process, it is unclear whether Crossley will be selected for another term, although he is understood to be interested in continuing. Other names being linked to the role include London head Robert Weekes and Leeds litigation partner Simon Miller. 

One former partner commented: "It was my understanding that Crossley was only going to serve one term. Weekes would make sense as he is head of the London office and would have sufficient support."

Another figure touted as a potential contender for the role is private equity heavyweight and Leeds office head Jonathan Jones. Earlier this month Jones, who sits on the global board, went on a three-month sabbatical, with restructuring partner John Alderton standing in as office head in his absence. 

The firm is also preparing to select a new US LLP managing partner, with incumbent Stephen Mahon's term also drawing to a close at the end of the year. Mahon replaced Howard Nichols in January 2012 following the latter's retirement. 

Chair and CEO James Maiwurm's term still has one more year to run after he was handed a four-year stint following the merger. 

Hammonds and Squire Sanders & Dempsey completed their transatlantic tie-up on 1 January 2011, creating a top 50 global firm with combined revenues of around $625m (£407m). According to the American Lawyer, the firm took in $775m (£504m) during 2012.

For more, see Hammonds name cut as Squire Sanders rebrands ahead of schedule.