Stewarts Law managing partner John Cahill has taken a two-month leave of absence from the firm for personal reasons.

He has temporarily stepped down from his leadership role at the UK top 50 firm, and is not expected to return to work until January.

Earlier this month, Cahill – who has led the litigation firm for almost 18 years – sent an email to his fellow partners, explaining the circumstances which have prompted him to take the time off.

While he is away, his role will be covered by the firm's marketing and business development head, Stuart Dench.

Dench has been at Stewarts for almost 20 years, joining in 1998 and taking up his current role when he made partner in 2000. Before assuming the marketing and BD brief, he worked as a litigator, focusing on personal injury and aviation.

Cahill has been managing partner of Stewarts - which has offices in London and Leeds - since 2000, 10 years after he co-founded the firm.

The litigation-only firm entered the UK top 50 for the first time earlier this year after posting a 25% increase in revenue for 2016-17 to reach £78.1m. The revenue hike came alongside a 30% increase in profit per equity partner to £2m.

Earlier this year, Stewarts held merger discussions with fellow litigation firm Enyo Law, but the talks ended in March, with both firms opting not to pursue a deal.