Partners take turns to avoid bruising election contest

City pensions firm Sacker & Partners' decision to appoint two senior partners to take office for consecutive three-year terms is a management strategy for niche firms - but it would not work for larger practices, lawyers said this week.Mark Greenlees will take over the job this April after Jonathan Seres retires.

He will make way after three years for Ian Pittaway, whose term will be followed by an election.Mr Pittaway said: 'We were lucky in that we had two strong candidates and rather than have a potentially bloody or bruising election...

it seemed like common sense.'Giles Rubens of law firm consultancy Hildebrand, said: 'In niche practices, this might be a viable option, but in general practice firms there is often a trade-off between different departments in deciding who will take the management positions.'Nigel Boardman, head of corporate with Slaughter and May, said: 'I think it's a lousy model.

It makes it difficult for the incumbent to make decisions without the other person.'He added: 'What if the existing senior partner does a really good job and wants to continue? You will have an even bloodier battle.'Jeremy Fleming