Crawford has held the chief executive position for 10 years, and been a partner with the firm for more than 20 years. He said that every CEO role should have a natural 10 year lifespan, and that the timing was right to hand over to a new successor at the end of the calendar year.

Crawford added that a change in leadership will present a fresh perspective for the firm, in line with a range of future opportunities - including the tighter integration with global law firm, DLA Piper.

"The firm has a very clear view of where it wants to be when the economic recovery is well underway and my successor will have a great platform to realize these opportunities when I step down from the role," he said.

The firm said the process of selecting Crawford's successor will commence shortly.

Meanwhile Crawford is considering his future options, and said he may consider another leadership position in a different organisation.