Ashurst is set to begin voting on its new management line-up and full financial integration with its Australian arm at the end of September, amid speculation over a challenge to current senior partner Charlie Geffen.

A vote on full financial integration with Blake Dawson, now known as Ashurst Australia, will take place on 26 September – ahead of the previous expectation of the end of October – with a 75% majority required for the combination to go ahead.

The firm is also gearing up to elect a chairman and vice chairman of the combined firm, replacing the senior partner role currently held by Geffen. Nominations for the chairman role are due in on 19 September, with voting to take place between 27 September and 15 October and an announcement made on 16 October. The vice-chair vote will follow afterwards.

Although many within the firm expect Geffen to take the chairman role, it is understood that partners are considering standing against him.

One partner at the firm said: "From a continuity perspective, it would make sense for Charlie to get voted in. But it wouldn't surprise me if there was a challenger for the role to freshen things up. It would make for a more balanced election if someone from Blakes put themselves forward, too."

Partners will also vote on a number of roles for the new global board, which will include four elected legacy Ashurst partners, an elected Asia partner and three elected legacy Blakes partners. 

The board is completed by global managing partner James Collis, chief financial officer Brian Dunlop, as well as two independent members.