Fleck v Gold for Herbies top job

Herbert Smith has formally kick-started the process to appoint a new senior partner, with two candidates emerging as early contenders for the post.

Practice partner and litigator Richard Fleck and head of litigation David Gold have both confirmed their interest in standing.

Herbert Smith’s current senior partner Richard Bond, whose tenure expires at the end of the current financial year, is not going to stand for a second term.

It is still possible for more candidates to put themselves forward because the nomination process does not conclude until the end of September. Currently, the firm is taking soundings from every partner, which are designed in part to encourage more candidates to come forward.

Other likely candidates include corporate partners Stephen Hancock and Tim Bellis.

If multiple candidates stand in the October ballot then this will be the first time Herbert Smith has witnessed contested management elections for four years. Bond was elected unopposed in 2000.

Herbert Smith declined to comment.