Baker McKenzie global chairman Paul Rawlinson is to take temporary leave from the position following health issues caused by exhaustion, the international firm has announced.

Rawlinson will step back from his day-to-day responsibilities and take temporary leave to focus on a personal medical issue, according to Bakers.

 A firm spokesperson said: "Based on the advice of his doctor, in response to medical issues caused by exhaustion, Paul has decided to take a step back from firm leadership and client responsibilities to make his health and recovery his immediate priority.

"Everyone at Baker McKenzie sends best wishes to Paul and his family for a quick and full recovery, and we look forward to welcoming him back soon.

Current Latin America chair and M&A partner Jaime Trujillo will serve as the firm's acting chair in Rawlinson's absence.

Rawlinson, an intellectual property lawyer, joined Bakers in 1986 and made partner in 1995. He served as a member of Bakers' London office management committee between 2001 and 2004, and as global chair of the intellectual property practice between 2004 and 2010. In 2013 he was appointed London managing partner and three years later won the global chairman election.

During his tenure as chair, Rawlinson has overseen a period of significant growth at the firm. Last year, global revenue swelled 8% while profit per equity partner climbed 13% to reach $1.44m (£1.1m).