Italy managing partner Nick Wrigley has thrown his hat into the ring for the post of global head of corporate – ensuring that Clifford Chance has a contested election for the first time in three years.
In a surprise email sent to all corporate partners last week, seven days before the nomination deadline, Wrigley said he had been approached by a number of partners requesting he stand and that he would therefore be allowing his name to go forward.
He also cited his experience as Italy managing partner and his former role as European representative on the firm’s manage- ment committee as further reasons for his candidacy.
Prior to Wrigley’s move, London managing partner Peter Charlton was seen as the only candidate, although he had not been nominated formally. Soundings conducted by the management across the firm are understood to have yielded only his name. Charlton has also now notified the partnership of his intention to stand for election.
As The Lawyer went to press, no other partner had indicated publicly a desire to contest the global leadership. Under Clifford Chance election rules, partners have until today (23 May) to be nominated. The five partners with the most nominations are eligible to stand for election.
Wrigley and Charlton were unavailable for comment.
