Clifford Chance has re-elected London managing partner David Bickerton for a second term following an uncontested election.

Meanwhile, partners are going to the polls today (26 November) to select the magic circle firm's new global managing partner.

The City partnership was informed Bickerton would be running unopposed for the London managing partner position last week after soundings took place earlier this month.

Bickerton first took up the role in 2009 after seeing off competition from former finance chief Mark Stewart and former capital markets partner Stephen Roith.

The news comes as the first round of voting for a new global managing partner draws to a close. Global corporate head Matthew Layton, Paris managing partner Yves Wehrli and real estate finance partner Andrew Carnegie are the contenders to replace outgoing chief David Childs when his second term ends in May 2014.

Layton is widely viewed by insiders as the frontrunner to succeed Childs. It is understood that during November's round of hustings, Layton argued that the firm should look to grow organically rather than seek out merger partners.

A partner at the firm commented: "He is on the money with this – I think he has it in the bag. He is a very popular person and has done a great job running the corporate practice."

However, another partner said: "I'm not so sure that it will be a straightforward win for Layton – I'd expect there to be a second ballot and opinion to be a bit more divided."

Layton has held the role of global corporate chief since 2008, having won a second four-year term in the role last year.

Meanwhile , Wehrli, who has been managing partner of the Paris office since 2000, has positioned himself to partners as the candidate with the most extensive knowledge of the business outside of London.

Some sources have voiced concerns that if Wehrli does not land the role, he may consider quitting the firm. One partner at the firm said: "The worry is that if Yves doesn't get the role, he will leave the firm, which would be a real shame. Personally I think he is more senior partner material in many ways, but obviously that's not an option that is open to him at the moment."

Wehrli had been tipped to run for the senior partner position in 2010 but chose not to challenge for the role, indicating that he would target the managing partner job instead.

Carnegie's presentation to partners is understood to have been focused on innovation, with one source saying that his pitch for the job included the introduction of a new IT programme.

The partner added: "I really admire Andrew for running – I think he is brave to do so despite his lack of management experience."

The trio of candidates have spent recent weeks touring the firm's major ofices, holding presentations in London, Hong Kong, Paris, New York and Frankfurt.

While the first round of voting closes today, a result may not emerge until next month. If no partner garners 50% of the vote, a second round of voting would take place between the top two candidates.