Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer co-managing partner Chris Pugh has stepped down after little more than 18 months in the role, as the firm overhauls its management structure.

Pugh will return to his practice in the disputes group, with current co-managing partner Stephan Eilers set to continue as sole managing partner, working alongside senior partner Edward Braham.

Pugh's return to fee earning means the firm's management team is half the size it was when it was first put together.