One of several options, recruiting a non-lawyer for the position would be a first for the Ashurst. A partner commented: 'Bringing in non-lawyers is about control, discipline and greater focus on profit.'

Chief execs and COOs

It is understood that a headhunter is being used to find potential candidates from among chief executives or COOs in law firms or other professional services firms.

Non-lawyers on board

The global head will work closely with the firm's board, which already includes two independent non-lawyers. In 2013, non-lawyers Robert Gillespie, the former director general of the Panel on Takeovers and Mergers, and David Turner, the former chairman of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, joined Ashurst's board to provide external advice and expertise.

Current global head James Collis began his stint in May 2012 and will stand down this May to return to practice. Source: Legal Business