Tony Williams has seen off Peter Charlton in the final round of voting among partners for the position of managing partner at Clifford Chance. Williams was seen as a well-equipped candidate with the right mix of skills for the job. “To be a successful managing partner, you need to have a wide understanding of Clifford Chance and the various markets in the world we are in,” said the the outgoing managing partner Geoffrey Howe, who will return to his corporate practice when he leaves the post. Howe added: “Tony has demonstrated a wide range of legal experience, having worked in property and our corporate practice. He has been in London, Hong Kong and will return from Moscow after running the office superbly and profitably for two years.” Tony Williams who returned to London late last week, was unavailable for comment. He takes up his new post on 1 January 1998.