Hammonds' Crossley: the only choice for top job

Hammonds managing partner Peter Crossley is standing unopposed in the firm's current elections for the top job.

However, Crossley cannot be crowned king automatically, as according to Hammonds' constitution he must receive more than 50 per cent of the partnership vote.

A Hammonds spokesperson explained that the election is conducted through a poll in which partners receive more votes depending on their positions in lockstep. The voting closes on 14 December, with an announcement of whether Crossley will stay in the post for another four years being announced on 17 December.

As revealed by The Lawyer (22 October), Crossley declared that he would run for a second term. He said: "I have a clear vision of how to take Hammonds forward."

Crossley's first term in office focused on Hammonds' 'one firm' strategy, with its international offices providing the same service as that of the UK office. This will continue to be key to the firm's strategy in the future.

As for any major moves in the pipeline, Crossley is playing his cards close to his chest.