Clifford Chance (CC) has laid out a timetable for its managing partner election process, which is expected to name chief operating officer (COO) David Childs as its replacement for Peter Cornell.

Childs is the clear front-runner to fill the post, for which nominations will open on 16 January, closing on 27 January. Candidates are due to send out manifestos in early February before a two-week vote closes on 3 March.