Dechert is mourning the loss of high profile London disputes partner Antony Dutton, who died suddenly on 4 January.

Dutton (pictured), who was 49, had worked at Dechert's City office as a partner since 2012. He joined Dechert from legacy Norton Rose, now Norton Rose Fulbright, where he was global head of dispute resolution and a member of the partnership council.

He also sat on the Norton Rose's executive committee during his time as head of the department between 2007 and 2010.

Dutton qualified as a barrister and solicitor in New Zealand before a 22-year stint at Norton Rose. His practice covered complex commercial litigation, international arbitration, and regulatory and internal investigations.

During the past year Dutton was involved with high profile mandates including representing Standard Chartered Bank after Bahrain's Arcapita Bank, a major creditor, entered into Chapter 11 proceedings in New York.

In recent months Dutton has represented clients involved with the LIBOR scandal, PPI and investor compensation claims arising from the global financial crisis. He also undertook internal investigations on behalf of clients into impaired funds and advised clients in regulatory investigations involving the Financial Conduct Authority, the Serious Fraud Office, the US Department of Justice and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

Dechert chairman Andrew Levander said: "We are deeply saddened at the death of our partner, colleague and friend, Antony Dutton. Antony was a skilled litigator, an advocate for our clients and a generous co-worker. He made extensive contributions to the firm over the last three years and was a very visible figure in both our London and Dubai offices. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."

A statement on Dechert's website reads: "He will be greatly missed and thought of often."