Ashurst has begun the hunt for a new global pro bono head following the departure of Anne Cregan for Gilbert + Tobin.

Cregan, considered a pro bono heavyweight, has joined the Australian firm as a special counsel. She took on the global role at Ashurst last year following the merger of the UK-headquartered firm and Blake Dawson.

Ashurst has appointed Sydney-based banking and finance chief for Australia Ray Mainsbridge as Cregan's replacement on an interim basis. The firm is looking both internally and externally, across Europe, Australia and the US for a permanent replacement, and hopes to make an appointment before the end of the calendar year.

Mainsbridge has been heavily involved in the firm's pro bono efforts since its Sydney launch and is also a member of the Australian pro bono committee.

Cregan's exit is a significant loss for Ashurst. Pro bono has long been highly valued as a standalone practice in Australia, with two senior associates dedicated exclusively to non-billable work and the average amount of time spent on pro bono by Ashurst lawyers annually in Australia topping 50 hours.

Work is also counted as chargeable time for the benefit of salaries and bonuses, and Australian lawyers are presently thought to be handling between 700 and 800 pro bono matters.

A source close to the team said the global role is a big responsibility, especially as the firm looks to increase its caseload in London, Europe, Asia and the US, where hours spent on pro bono work are significantly lower than in Australia.

The firm may now also look to appoint regional managers in areas such as the US and Europe – either through lateral hires or internal promotions – to ensure the practice is better coordinated.

In a statement, an Ashurst spokesperson said: "Anne has been an asset to our firm and a tireless driver of our pro bono practice. She has made a significant contribution to our firm and… we wish her every success in future.

"We are committed to having a world class approach to pro bono across our firm and are currently undertaking a worldwide recruitment process for a new global head.

"Pro bono is part of our firm's DNA and remains a clear priority. The board and global managing partner have been very clear on our firm's strong commitment to this important practice."