A spokesperson today confirmed with Lawyers Weekly that, at this stage, Butler would not be replaced and supervision of his practice groups would fall to the firm's other managing partners, Gavin Bell and Mark Rigotti.

The spokesperson added that Butler felt he had achieved what he wanted to in the role and would now "return to his roots" as a commercial litigator and focus on building his practice, developing key client relationships, and driving the many initiatives of the firm in which he is involved.

In an email circulated to Freehills staff announcing the decision, Bell thanked Butler for his "tremendous contribution" to the firm and described him as "a passionate champion of change".

As well as reintegrating into the litigation group, Butler will continue his involvement in initiatives such as the Resilience program and the Environment Committee.