Ashurst's dispute resolution partner Ben Tidswell and legacy Blakes competition and consumer protection partner Peter Armitage will run against current senior partner Charlie Geffen (pictured) for the role of chairman.

Partners were informed this morning that Geffen, Tidswell and Armitage had come forward as contenders for the role, which will replace the senior partner position.

Tidswell, who has a particular focus on litagation arising out of restructuring and insolvency and banking disputes, currently sits on the board. Sydney-based Armitage meanwhile leads the Australian competition team and has been a partner since 1992.

Voting will take place between 27 September and 15 October with an announcement expected the following day. Voting on the vice-chair role will follow shortly afterwards.

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

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.

Private equity head Geffen went up against litigation partner Ed Sparrow for the senior partner role in 2008. Geffen was elected, succeeding Geoffrey Green.

In a statement, an Ashurst spokesperson said: "In creating the combined firm, it is entirely proper for there to be elections. In advance to the process being concluded, we have no comment."