Dechert's London management committee has shrunk again with the departure of chairman Camille Abousleiman, who has taken up a position in the Lebanese government.

He has stepped down from the committee to become Minister of Labour in the Lebanese government. He will remain as an of counsel at Dechert alongside the new role.

Abousleiman had been chairman since 2016 and also most recently served as the US firm's global head of capital markets.

He is the second member of the committee to step down in recent months, after fellow Dechert partner Miriam Gonzalez left the firm last autumn.

Remaining committee members Jason Butwick and financial services partner Gus Black will continue to oversee the London office. Butwick was previously London managing partner at the firm until 2016, when it moved to the committee management structure.

A spokesperson for the firm said that there are no immediate plans to replace Abousleiman on the management committee.

Dechert CEO Henry Nassau said: "We recognize that this is a unique opportunity for Camille to serve his country at the highest level and we are pleased that he will remain at Dechert as Of Counsel to continue to support clients, working closely with other Dechert attorneys."

Abousleiman joined the firm in 2012 from Dewey & LeBoeuf as part of a five-partner team move, and served as the head of Dechert's Middle East and Africa practice until he became chairman.

Dechert's UK operating profits rose by 43% during 2017 to £47.9m, while the top-earning City partner took home £3.8m last year.