Lovells has reappointed David Harris as managing partner just two weeks after reporting one of the standout first-half performances among the UK's leading law firms.

Lovells, the UK's sixth largest firm by revenue, re-elected Mr Harris for a further four years at its annual partnership conference in Vienna on Friday. Harald Seisler, head of the firm's European practice, stood against Mr Harris.

His reappointment, until April 2013, comes after the firm announced it had increased fee income a surprising 15 per cent to £260 million for the first six months of the financial year.

Mr Harris said: "We are in a much stronger position than when I first took on this role in 2005 – our financial and business performance has significantly improved and there is a strong feeling of confidence across the practice and in the market about the firm.

"We are going into the second half of the financial year with a strong 'can-do' attitude."

Lovells generated revenue of £479 million in 2007-08, less than half of its larger "magic circle" rivals Allen & Overy, Clifford Chance, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Linklaters. Average profit per equity partner was £662,000.

A capital markets specialist, Mr Harris became a partner at Lovells in 1986 and was previously head of the firm's finance practice. He was elected managing partner in 2005.

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